MINEX Forum

Website: Europe.com

  • Ekometall Secures €342,793 Grant for AI-Driven Mining Intelligence Project in Austria

    Ekometall Secures €342,793 Grant for AI-Driven Mining Intelligence Project in Austria

    Ekometall Inc., through its subsidiary Ekometall Exploration GmbH, has been awarded a non-repayable research grant of €342,793 by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) to support the AMIPA (AI-Driven Mining Intelligence Platform for Austria) project. This initiative, backed by the Austrian government under the Rohstoffe 2025 funding call, aims to unlock historical mining archives by developing AI-supported methods to convert Austria’s extensive geological records into a structured, georeferenced digital resource.

    The AMIPA project will span 30 months and is set to validate AI methodologies for processing centuries of mining documents, maps, and records. The project will be conducted in collaboration with technology partner GexplOre, a French geosciences company known for its expertise in mineral exploration services. The funding covers 60% of the project’s total budget of €571,322, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing technological innovation in the mining sector.

    Ekometall’s Managing Director & CEO, Ryan Finlay, expressed that receiving this grant is a significant endorsement from the Austrian government, reinforcing the importance of their work with historical archives. The project not only aims to digitize historical data but also includes a dedicated workstream focused on identifying historical mine waste and tailings sites. This aspect supports Austria’s objectives for secondary raw materials, potentially revealing valuable resources from the country’s mining legacy.

    Austria boasts over five centuries of mining history, yet much of its geological knowledge remains trapped in scanned reports and handwritten records. The AMIPA project seeks to address this gap by developing a methodology that processes these sources at scale, integrating them with modern geochemical, geophysical, and remote-sensing data on a GIS-based platform. Each result will be traceable to its original source document, ensuring transparency and reliability.

    The program will unfold in three phases: digital data acquisition and structuring, AI model and decision-support development, and scientific validation. The final phase will involve field verification by Ekometall geologists, LiDAR-based assessments of historical tailings sites, and external peer review, ensuring that the project’s outcomes are scientifically robust.

    Ekometall is positioned as a critical minerals exploration company, focusing on unlocking Austria’s precious and base metal potential. With a land position exceeding 10,000 km², the company combines local expertise with modern exploration methods, establishing itself as a key player in accessing the critical raw materials essential for Europe’s energy transition and industrial future. For further details, visit ekometallgroup.com.

  • EU Advances Critical Raw Materials Act to Enhance Strategic Autonomy

    EU Advances Critical Raw Materials Act to Enhance Strategic Autonomy

    The European Parliament has taken a significant step towards securing the continent’s supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) by voting on amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This legislation aims to bolster the EU’s strategic autonomy by ensuring a sustainable and circular supply of essential materials necessary for various industries, including clean energy, digital technology, and defence. The proposed changes focus on expediting the entire value chain from extraction and processing to recycling and substitution, thereby diversifying supply chains across the EU.

    One of the key initiatives proposed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) is the establishment of a dedicated European critical raw materials centre. This self-standing agency would be equipped with a €2 billion fund, as outlined in the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034. The centre would serve multiple functions, including market intelligence, resilience planning, and stakeholder engagement, all aimed at enhancing the EU’s capacity to manage its critical raw materials effectively.

    To further secure supply, MEPs have suggested implementing a conditional export control clause. This would allow the European Commission to restrict the export of recyclable materials, ensuring that valuable resources remain within the EU. Additionally, the Commission would oversee the identification of large companies in strategic sectors that utilise CRMs, imposing resilience obligations on them to mitigate vulnerabilities in their supply chains.

    The amendments also call for price-stabilisation mechanisms, such as contracts for difference (CfDs), to provide revenue certainty for developers involved in extraction and recycling projects. Moreover, the EU’s existing joint-purchasing mechanism would be expanded to facilitate coordinated stockpiling of critical raw materials among member states and businesses.

    Highlighting the geopolitical significance of CRMs, lead MEP Mohammed Chahim emphasised that control over these materials equates to control over industrial futures and energy transitions. He urged for a proactive approach to ensure that Europe does not become vulnerable to external pressures regarding its supply chains. The report, which received overwhelming support with 470 votes in favour, is now set to enter negotiations with member states to finalise the law.

    The CRMA, initially adopted in December 2023, laid the groundwork for an EU-wide strategy to guarantee access to raw materials crucial for various transitions. The recent amendments stem from the RESourceEU Action Plan, reflecting the EU’s commitment to securing its critical raw material needs in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

  • Spain Supports Emerita Resources’ New Exploration Projects in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

    Spain Supports Emerita Resources’ New Exploration Projects in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

    Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO) has announced its support for two new exploration projects by Emerita Resources in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, located in Andalusia. This funding is part of the 2026-2030 National Mining Exploration Program (PNEM), which aims to bolster mining exploration activities across the country. The total public funding awarded to Emerita amounts to just over €304,000, contributing to a combined investment of approximately €748,000 for both projects.

    The larger of the two projects is situated in Huelva province, specifically the Ontario project near La Romanera. This initiative will involve around 4,400 metres of new drilling aimed at assessing areas with significant mineral potential. MITECO is set to contribute €250,000 towards eligible expenditures of €670,800 for this project, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing mining exploration in the region.

    In contrast, the Nuevo Tintillo project located in Seville is smaller in scale. It will incorporate new drilling alongside an advanced analysis of over 4,300 metres of historical borehole data. The planned subsidy for this project is €54,235.25, against a total investment of €77,490. This dual approach not only aims to uncover new mineral resources but also seeks to leverage existing data for more informed exploration strategies.

    Emerita Resources, which has its headquarters in Seville and an administrative office in Toronto, has welcomed the grant resolutions. The company views this funding as a vital support mechanism for its ongoing exploration efforts in the Iberian Pyrite Belt and its commitment to technological innovation in mining practices. Furthermore, the results from these exploration activities will be shared with the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME) as part of a collaborative relationship fostered under the PNEM.

    This initiative underscores Spain’s strategic focus on enhancing its mining sector, particularly in regions with rich mineral deposits like the Iberian Pyrite Belt. By investing in exploration projects, the government aims to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities while ensuring sustainable practices in the mining industry.

  • EMILI Lithium Secures Long-Term Mining Concession for Beauvoir Deposit Until 2075

    EMILI Lithium Secures Long-Term Mining Concession for Beauvoir Deposit Until 2075

    EMILI Lithium has successfully secured a mining concession for the Beauvoir deposit, one of the largest hard-rock lithium deposits globally, valid until May 23, 2075. This concession, granted by the French government to Imerys Beauvoir, a subsidiary of EMILI Lithium, encompasses lithium, tin, tantalum, and niobium extraction across several municipalities in the Allier and Puy-de-Dôme departments. The project has been recognised as a Project of Major National Interest by France and a Strategic Project by the European Union, reflecting its significance in securing lithium supplies for the burgeoning electric vehicle battery industry and bolstering European industrial sovereignty.

    The concession marks a pivotal moment, being the first granted in mainland France in over 40 years, and it comes at a time when global demand for lithium is surging due to its critical role in electric vehicle production and energy storage solutions. EMILI aims to leverage the size and quality of the Beauvoir deposit to establish a sustainable and competitive local solution that integrates well with regional development, with production expected to commence in the early 2030s.

    French Minister of the Economy, Roland Lescure, welcomed the concession, highlighting its potential to secure the supply chain for lithium and facilitate the production of batteries for approximately 700,000 electric vehicles annually. The project is also designed to address environmental and social challenges, aiming to create an exemplary industrial model within the European electric vehicle battery value chain.

    The concession comes with a set of specifications that ensure robust monitoring of mining operations and their environmental and social impacts, including annual reporting of key indicators to local stakeholders. However, the concession does not yet authorise the commencement of mining operations, as EMILI must still secure additional permits and financing to move forward.

    The EMILI project, which focuses on the extraction of lithium-bearing mica, aims to produce 34,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, thereby diversifying European supply sources and reducing reliance on international supply chains. The project is supported by the French state, which holds a minority stake through La Banque des Territoires, underscoring its strategic importance to France and the European Union’s energy transition goals.

  • Military Metals Secures Four-Year Extension for Trojarova Antimony-Gold Exploration License in Slovakia

    Military Metals Secures Four-Year Extension for Trojarova Antimony-Gold Exploration License in Slovakia

    Military Metals Corp. has successfully reinstated and extended its exploration license for the Trojárová Antimony-Gold Project in Slovakia for an additional four years, expiring on October 18, 2030. This decision follows a legal battle against the cancellation of the license by the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic earlier this year. The company had appealed the cancellation and, on October 2, 2026, received a favourable ruling that reinstated the license, allowing them to continue exploration activities.

    The Trojárová Project is significant, hosting an inferred mineral resource of 6.5 million tonnes grading 1.02% antimony and 1.06 g/t gold, which translates to approximately 67,000 tonnes of antimony and 222,000 ounces of gold. This resource is crucial for addressing Europe’s supply chain vulnerabilities, as the continent heavily relies on external sources for antimony, a critical raw material.

    Military Metals is committed to responsible development in Slovakia, with plans to enhance community engagement and scientific cooperation. The company aims to establish a local advisory board to facilitate dialogue with stakeholders and ensure environmental priorities are addressed throughout the development process. Executive Chairman Thomas Hüser emphasised the importance of building trust through open communication and practical action, while CEO Scott Eldridge highlighted the milestone this reinstatement represents for the company.

    The company has initiated discussions with Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy regarding the transition from exploration to full mining and production authorisation, focusing on the necessary technical, environmental, and administrative requirements. Additionally, Military Metals plans to improve local wastewater management and adopt modern mining technologies that prioritise environmental sustainability.

    Military Metals aims to position the Trojárová Project as a model for responsible mineral exploration in Europe, aligning with the objectives of the European Critical Raw Materials Act. The company’s commitment to responsible practices and local partnerships underscores its ambition to unlock the potential of this significant antimony resource for European and allied markets.

  • Community Protests Boliden Tara Mines’ Proposed Tailings Facility Amid Safety Concerns

    Community Protests Boliden Tara Mines’ Proposed Tailings Facility Amid Safety Concerns

    In a display of community concern, protestors gathered outside Halla Bhaile Ghib in Gibbstown during Boliden Tara Mines’ recent consultation evenings regarding a proposed new tailings pond facility. The consultations, held on 13 and 15 October, aimed to inform residents about the company’s plans to submit a planning application for the facility by the end of the year. Approximately 100 local residents attended the meetings, where Boliden staff presented information about the new tailings facility necessary for the Tara Deep ore body, which could potentially extend the mine’s operational life for decades.

    Local residents have voiced escalating concerns about the safety of the existing tailings pond and the implications of expanding it. Benny Sheridan, a member of the Save the Environment of Navan Townlands committee, expressed that community apprehensions have intensified over the past two decades, particularly regarding the increasing volumes of waste deposited in the tailings dam. He highlighted the findings of a dam safety review commissioned by Boliden in 2022, which has led residents to better understand the risks associated with living near the tailings pond. Sheridan’s group is advocating for the cessation of tailings deposits into the current facility, citing health hazards for both present and future generations.

    Another resident, Ann Brady, dismissed the consultation evenings as a public relations exercise, arguing that the serious questions raised by the community were not adequately addressed. She expressed skepticism about the economic benefits of the Tara Deep exploration, questioning the actual returns to the local economy and emphasising the need for alternative waste management solutions. Brady’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among residents who fear the long-term environmental impact of the proposed facility.

    The Save the Environment of Navan Townlands committee recently held a meeting where Dr Steven Emerman, a geophysicist, raised alarms about the existing tailings pond, particularly following a significant incident last November when a pipeline breach released an estimated 250 to 300 tonnes of mine waste into the surrounding area. This incident, reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, involved a substantial spill of mine waste, prompting an emergency response and raising further safety concerns among local residents.

    Boliden, however, maintains that the Tara Deep prospect is crucial for extending the mine’s operational life and providing economic benefits to the community. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to attendees of the consultation evenings and reiterated its commitment to community safety and open communication. Boliden plans to consider community feedback as it prepares its application for the new tailings facility, aiming to address the concerns raised by residents while promoting the potential benefits of the Tara Deep project.

  • Metlen’s Strategic Expansion in Bauxite and Gallium Production

    Metlen’s Strategic Expansion in Bauxite and Gallium Production

    Europe is ramping up its investments in critical raw materials production to lessen its reliance on China, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities. A notable example of this initiative is Greece’s Metlen, which is committing €295.5 million to expand its bauxite and alumina production while also developing gallium production capabilities. This expansion is bolstered by a €90 million loan from the European Investment Bank, highlighting the EU’s commitment to fostering domestic production of essential materials.

    Gallium, a key component in semiconductors, radar systems, and advanced electronics, has seen a significant concentration of its production in China, which accounted for 99% of global primary gallium output in 2024, according to the US Geological Survey. Metlen aims to produce 50 tonnes of gallium annually, which aligns with Europe’s current demand. The company expects to commence production in 2027, marking a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in this critical material.

    However, despite the ambitious plans, Metlen has already secured long-term contracts with buyers in the US and Japan, while European customers have been hesitant to commit, often opting for cheaper supplies from China. This reluctance poses a challenge for European producers who require predictable revenues to justify their substantial investments. The management at Metlen acknowledges the need for European buyers to balance cost management with the necessity of supporting local production.

    The situation underscores a broader issue within Europe’s industrial strategy, which must align its strategic objectives with the commercial realities faced by producers and their customers. While the demand from the US and Japan is promising for Metlen, there is a pressing need for the EU to implement mechanisms that encourage long-term procurement of critical raw materials from local sources. As European industries evolve, it is anticipated that demand for domestically produced materials will grow, fostering a more resilient supply chain and reducing dependency on external sources.

    The case of Metlen illustrates both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as the continent navigates the complexities of establishing a sustainable and competitive raw materials sector.

  • Kingsrose Mining Secures Exploration Permit and Enforcement Order for Penikat Project in Finland

    Kingsrose Mining Secures Exploration Permit and Enforcement Order for Penikat Project in Finland

    Kingsrose Mining Limited has announced a milestone in its Penikat Project in Finland, with the Finnish mining authority, Tukes, granting an Exploration Permit and an Enforcement Order for Area 6. This decision allows Kingsrose to proceed with its drilling plans, targeting a start date in January 2027. The CEO of Kingsrose, Andy Caruso, expressed satisfaction with the permitting process, highlighting that the decision from Tukes, along with prior confirmations from the Finnish environmental regulator and the state landowner, indicates that their approach to securing permits is effective.

    The Exploration Permit permits Kingsrose to conduct up to 5,000 metres of drilling between 1 August and 31 March over successive years, with a validity of four years, extendable in three-year increments up to a maximum of 15 years. This permit is crucial for the company as it lays the groundwork for future exploration and potential resource development in the region.

    In addition to the Exploration Permit, the Enforcement Order allows for a restricted drilling programme of 3,000 metres annually while any appeals against the Exploration Permit are processed. The company has until 20 November 2026 to receive any appeals, after which the permit will become legally binding if no objections are raised. Should an appeal occur, it will be heard in the Administrative Court of Northern Finland, which typically prioritises such cases, ensuring a resolution within a two to three-month timeframe.

    Kingsrose Mining is committed to keeping stakeholders informed and will provide updates on any material developments as they arise. This advancement in the Penikat Project underscores the company’s strategic focus on responsible exploration practices and its commitment to adhering to Finnish regulations in the mining sector.

  • BULGOLD Inc. Unveils 2.2KM BL Vein Corridor at Lutila Gold Project in Central Slovakia

    BULGOLD Inc. Unveils 2.2KM BL Vein Corridor at Lutila Gold Project in Central Slovakia

    BULGOLD Inc. has announced the successful mapping and prospecting of a new 2.2-kilometre-long BL Vein target at its Lutila Gold Project in the Slovak Republic. This significant discovery is located on the eastern flank of the North East Block, an area that has seen minimal modern exploration over the past two decades. The BL Vein, which has historical roots dating back to the 1600s, has been traced through systematic field prospecting, revealing a near-continuous subvertical structural corridor that could enhance the project’s overall gold exploration potential.

    The mapping efforts have highlighted a robust structural trend, with historical diamond drilling data from 2004 indicating low-grade gold mineralisation within the BL vein structure. Notable intercepts include 26.2 metres at 0.91 grams per tonne (g/t) Au and 24.3 metres at 0.76 g/t Au. The exploration team has also identified a 100-metre-wide zone of brecciated rhyolite rock, which is enriched with chalcedonic quartz and minor stibnite, suggesting a promising geological environment for further exploration.

    Surface geochemical analysis has yielded an average of 0.56 g/t Au across a dataset of 62 rock samples, with higher-grade subsets indicating potential for richer mineralisation. The presence of elevated arsenic and antimony levels coinciding with surface gold values supports the low-sulfidation epithermal vector model, reinforcing the prospectivity of the BL Vein.

    BULGOLD’s President and CEO, Sean Hasson, expressed optimism regarding the BL Vein’s potential, noting that it significantly expands the prospective footprint of the North East Block. The exploration campaign for 2026 primarily focused on the nearby Kopernica vein, but the BL Vein presents a substantial parallel target with verified subsurface thickness and historical low-grade gold mineralisation. The company aims to leverage this discovery to enhance its exploration efforts and potentially uncover additional high-grade gold resources.

    The Lutila Gold Project is strategically located within a historically rich mining district in Central Slovakia, situated between the Kremnica and Banská Štiavnica epithermal vein fields, both of which have a long history of gold production. The project benefits from established local infrastructure and a supportive regulatory framework, which are expected to facilitate future exploration and development activities. As BULGOLD continues to advance its exploration initiatives, the BL Vein corridor stands out as a key area of interest for potential high-grade gold and silver mineralisation.

  • US-Ukraine Fund Partners with BGV GROUP to Develop Critical Minerals Projects

    US-Ukraine Fund Partners with BGV GROUP to Develop Critical Minerals Projects

    The US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) has announced the establishment of a joint investment platform in collaboration with BGV GROUP MANAGEMENT, aimed at advancing a portfolio of critical minerals projects in Ukraine. This strategic partnership seeks to leverage BGV’s extensive local expertise alongside URIF’s investment capabilities to foster engagement with international capital, financial institutions, and technology partners.

    Initially, URIF plans to allocate up to $30 million to this platform to support the development of approved projects, with a primary focus on assets associated with rare earth elements, beryllium, and zirconium. The initiative is designed to build a diversified portfolio of promising critical minerals projects, guiding them through essential stages from development to readiness for large-scale financing and eventual industrial production.

    The platform aims to create opportunities for both Ukrainian and international companies, alongside financial institutions and strategic investors, to engage in the critical minerals sector. BGV GROUP MANAGEMENT, which has been actively involved in mining initiatives in Ukraine for over a decade, will provide local geological, technical, and operational expertise, ensuring effective project management and development.

    While the platform facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders, it is important to note that the creation of the platform does not guarantee funding for any specific project or company. Each project’s financial parameters, structure, and participation terms will be determined individually following thorough assessment and structuring.

    This partnership represents a significant step towards enhancing Ukraine’s critical minerals sector, which is increasingly recognised for its potential to contribute to global supply chains, particularly in the context of growing demand for rare earth elements and other strategic minerals. The involvement of URIF and BGV GROUP is expected to attract further investment and expertise, positioning Ukraine as a key player in the critical minerals market.