MINEX Forum

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  • Protests Erupt in Valjevo Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Project Amid Environmental Concerns

    Protests Erupt in Valjevo Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Project Amid Environmental Concerns

    Hundreds of protesters gathered in the central Serbian town of Valjevo on Monday to voice their opposition to Rio Tinto’s lithium project in Western Serbia, citing fears of potential environmental pollution. The demonstration took place in the town’s central square, with residents chanting, “You will not dig,” and “Rio Tinto, leave Serbia!” Valjevo, an industrial city with a population of 55,000, is located about 100 km (60 miles) west of Belgrade.

    Sonja, a 50-year-old resident of Valjevo, expressed the community’s determination, stating, “We will not allow it; we will fight as much as we can.” Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta, one of the protest organizers, echoed this sentiment, warning that the “agony called lithium is continuing” and affirming that “Serbia will not go quiet over this issue. This is non-negotiable.”

    The protest follows a larger demonstration on August 10, when tens of thousands rallied in Belgrade. Authorities have dismissed these protests as politically motivated, aimed at destabilizing the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. In Valjevo, protesters also demanded an end to what they describe as a government crackdown on green activists. Activist Aleksandra Bulatovic reported that, since the August 10 rally, police have interrogated and searched the homes of over 40 environmental activists, accusing them of conspiring against the country’s constitution. Bulatovic, who was also questioned, criticized the authorities, saying, “This is unconstitutional; they are abusing the law. This is pure repression.”

    The controversy intensified last month when Belgrade reinstated Rio Tinto’s license to develop what would be Europe’s largest lithium mine, after halting the project two years ago due to widespread environmental protests. The $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project could potentially supply 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs, positioning Rio Tinto as a leading global producer of this essential component used in batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices. While Serbian officials argue that the mine could significantly boost the country’s economy, environmentalists warn of the high environmental costs.

  • European Energy Metals Expands Exploration in Finland, Targeting Lithium-Rich Pegmatites

    European Energy Metals Expands Exploration in Finland, Targeting Lithium-Rich Pegmatites

    European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN) has announced a significant expansion of its exploration efforts in Finland, applying for five new exploration licences (ELs) in the Kaustinen region. The applications cover an area of approximately 102 square kilometers, known for its high potential for lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites. This expansion will increase the company’s total licensed holdings to 157.7 square kilometers, augmenting its existing Nabba and Nabba 2 licences.

    These newly applied licences are largely contiguous with those held by Sibanye-Stillwater at the Keliber project, which is renowned for its LCT spodumene-pegmatite deposits. Keliber’s resources are estimated at approximately 17 million tonnes, with a grade of 1% Li2O (lithium oxide). Sibanye-Stillwater, a South African mining group, is investing up to €600 million in partnership with the Finnish Minerals Group to build a comprehensive lithium supply chain complex in the area, with production expected to commence in the second half of 2025.

    European Energy Metals’ newly expanded concessions are strategically located within 1 kilometer of some of the known lithium-rich spodumene-pegmatite deposits at Keliber and Sibanye’s proposed spodumene concentrator plant. The company is currently conducting a field program on these concessions, following up on its successful 2023 exploration program. During that program, the team discovered multiple occurrences of lithium-bearing pegmatite mineralization, particularly at the Kyrola prospect, where rock chip grab samples returned assays of up to 3.84% Li2O.

    CEO Jeremy Poirier expressed optimism about the expanded exploration efforts, stating that the additional licences would allow for more thorough testing and definition of the subsurface mineralization identified on the surface. The 2024 exploration program is designed to advance these projects to a drill definition stage, with a focus on areas with significant proximity to known deposits and the soon-to-be operational lithium concentrator.

  • A 150-Year-Old Lithium Discovery in Cornwall Could Revolutionize the Energy Industry

    A 150-Year-Old Lithium Discovery in Cornwall Could Revolutionize the Energy Industry

    A groundbreaking discovery made 150 years ago in Cornwall, UK, is making headlines again. Back in the 19th century, a large amount of dissolved lithium was found in a hot spring approximately 450 meters underground. At the time, this mineral had little to no value, and its potential was largely ignored. However, in today’s world, where lithium is more valuable than petrol, this discovery is proving to be a game-changer.

    The geothermal lithium deposit found in Cornwall is now recognized as one of the largest in the world. The underground hot springs contain an astonishing concentration of lithium, ranging from 8 to 10 times higher than that found in other hot springs currently being exploited. This mineral has become crucial in the energy transition, as it is a key component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric cars, mobile phones, and computers.

    Interest in this geothermal lithium deposit resurfaced in autumn 2020 due to its significance in the modern energy landscape. Unlike conventional lithium, which is extracted from brine deposits in dry lake beds or hard rock mines, geothermal lithium is found in a hot, saline brine that passes through heated rocks, absorbing various elements including potassium, boron, and lithium.

    Mining companies such as Cornish Lithium and Geothermal Engineering are at the forefront of exploring and exploiting this valuable resource. They plan to use cutting-edge techniques like Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), a method developed by companies in Germany, the United States, and New Zealand. This process uses ion exchange resin or nanofiltration techniques to selectively extract lithium chloride from the brine, which is then treated to produce lithium hydroxide, a key material for battery production.

    This method of lithium extraction is not only more sustainable and environmentally friendly but also has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional methods. While conventional lithium extraction, primarily from Argentina, Chile, and Australia, remains cheaper, it comes with substantial environmental costs. For every tonne of lithium produced using conventional methods, more than 15 tonnes of greenhouse gases are emitted, vast amounts of water are permanently polluted, and large tracts of land are disturbed.

    In conclusion, the once-overlooked lithium deposit in Cornwall is now recognized as a mineral resource far more valuable than oil. Its extraction using sustainable methods could play a pivotal role in the global shift towards cleaner energy.

  • Rudnik Uglja Announces EUR 2.5 Million Tender for Excavator and Dumper Purchase

    Rudnik Uglja Announces EUR 2.5 Million Tender for Excavator and Dumper Purchase

    Rudnik Uglja (RUP) has announced a tender for the procurement of one excavator and one dumper, with a total value of EUR 2.5 million, including EUR 523,000 in VAT. The tender is divided into two lots: EUR 1.2 million allocated for the excavator and EUR 1.3 million for the dumper.

    According to the tender terms, Rudnik Uglja will make an advance payment of 20% of the contracted value for the dumper within seven days of signing the contract, with the remaining amount to be paid in six equal monthly installments. The first installment is due 30 days after delivery of the excavator and the mutual signing of the Record of Handover, with subsequent payments to follow every 30 days until the full price is paid.

    For the dumper, the company will also pay 20% of the agreed value within five days of the contract date, with the remaining balance to be paid in six equal monthly installments. The first installment will be due 30 days after delivery of the dumper and mutual signing of the handover record, followed by payments at 30-day intervals.

    Bidders are required to submit a statement with their bid confirming that they will provide a warranty card and the manufacturer’s quality certificate upon delivery of the excavator and dumper. Additionally, the bidder must ensure that spare parts and service for the equipment will be available for a minimum of 10 years after the warranty period expires, as stipulated in the tender documents.

  • Norway Discovers Europe’s Largest Rare Earth Metals Deposit, Boosting Efforts to Reduce China’s Dominance

    Norway Discovers Europe’s Largest Rare Earth Metals Deposit, Boosting Efforts to Reduce China’s Dominance

    Norway has recently announced the discovery of Europe’s largest proven deposit of rare earth metals, a significant development as these 17 elements are essential for a wide range of modern technologies. Despite being termed “rare earth,” these elements are not particularly scarce in the Earth’s crust but are often found in low concentrations, making them difficult to extract and purify.

    According to a CNBC report, this Norwegian deposit is among the few in the world not owned or controlled by China, which currently dominates the global rare earths market. The discovery is seen as a crucial step in Europe’s efforts to reduce its dependence on China for these critical minerals. The demand for rare earth metals is expected to surge in the coming years due to the increasing pace of the clean energy transition.

    Rare earth metals such as Lanthanum, used in batteries and catalytic converters, Cerium, used in polishing compounds and catalytic converters, and Neodymium, known for its powerful magnetic properties, are among those found in the deposit. Other metals include Dysprosium, used in strong magnets and lasers, and Europium, essential for fluorescent lights and color television screens.

    Rare Earths Norway revealed that its Fen Carbonatite Complex in southeastern Norway contains 8.8 million metric tons of total rare earth oxides (TREOs) with a strong potential for economic extraction. Within these TREOs, approximately 1.5 million metric tons are magnet-related rare earths, which are critical for technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. This discovery surpasses a significant rare earths deposit found in Sweden last year.

    Alf Reistad, CEO of Rare Earths Norway, described the discovery at Fen as a “great milestone” for the company and emphasized that there is currently no extraction of rare earth elements in Europe. Meanwhile, China continues to dominate the rare earth metals market, controlling 70 percent of global rare earth ore extraction and 90 percent of ore processing. China’s dominance is attributed to decades of state investment, export controls, cheap labor, and low environmental standards.

    A report from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies highlights that Western countries are now developing strategies to reduce supply chain risks. These strategies include opening new mines and processing plants, advancing recycling technologies, and fostering international collaboration. However, the report notes that it is unlikely that China’s dominance will be significantly reduced before 2030.

     

  • Adriatic Metals CEO Paul Cronin Resigns, Laura Tyler Appointed as Interim Leader

    Adriatic Metals CEO Paul Cronin Resigns, Laura Tyler Appointed as Interim Leader

    Adriatic Metals (ASX: ADT) (LON: ADT1) announced on Wednesday that Paul Cronin, the co-founder and chief executive officer, has resigned for family reasons. Cronin, who will continue at Adriatic Metals until August 9, will be succeeded by non-executive director Laura Tyler as the interim CEO. Tyler brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the chief technical officer at BHP and held leadership roles in the Olympic Dam, Cannington, and Ekati underground mines.

    In a statement, Cronin emphasized the importance of leadership evolution, noting, “It is vital for the success of any company that management recognize the need to evolve, as the company evolves.” Under his leadership, Adriatic Metals transformed from an exploration company into a producer, delivering the first concentrate from the Vares silver mine in central Bosnia in less than seven years. Cronin, who has resided in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the project’s inception, will return to Australia, his home country.

    As Adriatic Metals moves forward, the company is focused on finalizing production enhancements at the Vares mine. Chairman Michael Rawlinson highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating, “We are making good progress on alternative plans to create additional tailings capacity and are concurrently revising the mine stope sequencing to maintain metal output while minimizing tailings generation.”

    In 2023, Adriatic contributed nearly 22% of foreign direct investment into Bosnia and 2% of the country’s GDP. The company deployed 69% of its total capital domestically, amounting to $155 million across 739 companies. Following the announcement of Cronin’s resignation, shares in Adriatic fell nearly 12%, closing at 130.91p in London, leaving the company with a market capitalization of £427.58 million.

  • Environmental Activists to Rally Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Project in Serbia

    Environmental Activists to Rally Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Project in Serbia

    Environmental activists and opposition groups are set to gather in the center of Serbia’s capital on Saturday, demanding a halt to the Rio Tinto Group’s $2.4 billion project to open Europe’s biggest lithium mine. The ongoing controversy highlights the significant challenges of developing new mines in Europe, especially as governments strive to secure supplies of critical minerals like lithium, essential for the energy transition. For Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest miner, the Serbian mine is a key project aimed at reducing its dependence on iron-ore.

    The project was initially halted in 2022 following widespread protests by environmental activists concerned about the potential heavy pollution from mining and processing the metal, which is vital for battery production. However, Serbia’s top court lifted the ban last month, reigniting opposition. The upcoming rally follows a series of small protests across the country, with growing anger towards President Aleksandar Vucic for his strong support of the project.

    The Vucic administration has promoted the project as a significant economic opportunity, with Finance Minister Sinisa Mali suggesting that lithium mining—if combined with local battery and electric vehicle production—could boost Serbia’s economic output by as much as €12 billion annually. Recently, Serbian and EU officials signed an agreement to secure critical raw materials across the bloc, with lithium being a central focus. Additionally, Mercedes Benz chief Ola Kaellenius and representatives from Stellantis carmaker have expressed interest in investing in developing EV batteryproduction in the region.

    Despite these assurances, activists remain unconvinced, rejecting the government’s claims that the mine will adhere to strict environmental standards.

  • Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project Faces Two-Year Permit Delay in Serbia

    Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project Faces Two-Year Permit Delay in Serbia

    Serbia’s Energy Minister, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, announced on Friday that it could take Rio Tinto up to two years to obtain the necessary permits to begin construction on its Jadar lithium project. This comes after Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto’s license last month, two years after the previous government halted the process following protests by environmental groups.

    Handanovic highlighted that the mining giant must secure approvals based on the project’s environmental impact studybefore moving forward. The Jadar project, located in western Serbia, is considered one of the largest lithium reserves in Europe, with 158 million tonnes, equating to 17% of the continent’s total lithium reserves.

    “If completed, the Jadar project could produce 58,000 tonnes of refined battery-grade lithium carbonate annually,” Handanovic said, noting that this would be sufficient to power one million electric vehicles and meet 90% of Europe’s current lithium demand. This would also position Rio Tinto among the top 10 global lithium producers.

    Despite the potential benefits, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has emphasized that no mining operations will commence until guarantees from the world’s top experts are secured. Vučić stated, “There will be no digging, no changes in the field, nor will there be. Until we get all the guarantees ourselves, nothing will happen in the next 12 to 18 months.”

    Last month, Serbia signed agreements with the European Union and Germany to provide EU members and key car manufacturers with exclusive access to Serbian lithium. These agreements followed a ruling by Serbia’s top court declaring the 2022 decision to revoke the Jadar project’s license unconstitutional.

    Despite these developments, thousands of Serbians have taken to the streets to protest the project, with another major demonstration planned for Saturday in Belgrade. Handanovic questioned the protesters’ motives, suggesting that their arguments are more focused on challenging the government rather than genuine environmental concerns. She added that the project would help Serbia tap into its mineral wealth, including copper, zinc, lead, gold, and lithium, and gain access to valuable technical expertise.

  • Protests Erupt in Belgrade Against Controversial Lithium Mine Reboot

    Protests Erupt in Belgrade Against Controversial Lithium Mine Reboot

    Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday, rallying against the controversial lithium mineproject set to become a key component in Europe’s green energy transition. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Rio Tinto get out of Serbia” and “You won’t dig” as they marched through the city, with some protesters blocking tracks at the main railway station, disrupting traffic.

    The Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto is developing the lithium mine near the western Serbian city of Loznica. This project has been a persistent political issue in Serbia due to concerns about its potential environmental impacts. Discovered in 2004, the mine’s development was halted in 2022 following mass protests. However, the government revived the project after a court ruling last month deemed the decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permits unconstitutional.

    Serbia’s government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union, marking the initial step toward developing the country’s lithium resources. Lithium is a critical metal for electric vehicle batteries, essential for the shift towards greener automotive production. Despite this, the project remains deeply unpopular due to fears of water pollution and public health risks.

    Protesters, including 58-year-old Slobodan Stanimirovic from Radjevina near the mine’s location, have voiced their concerns, stating that the protest is about defending life in Serbia. This latest protest is part of a broader series of demonstrations across the country following the reinstatement of the mine’s licenses. Activists are urging lawmakers to enact a permanent ban on lithium and boron mining in Serbia. Environmental groups have warned of further civil disobedience and traffic blockades if the government does not respond by the 10 August deadline. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has assured the public that no mining will proceed without stringent environmental safety guarantees.

  • Serbia’s Energy Minister: Rio Tinto May Need Two Years to Start Jadar Lithium Project

    Serbia’s Energy Minister: Rio Tinto May Need Two Years to Start Jadar Lithium Project

    Serbia’s Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic announced on Friday that it could take Rio Tinto up to two years to obtain the necessary permits to begin construction on its Jadar lithium project. The project, which could become Europe’s largest lithium mine, recently had its license reinstated after being halted two years ago due to environmental protests.

    Handanovic emphasized the importance of securing approvals based on the project’s environmental impact study. She highlighted that the Jadar project is one of the largest certified reserves globally, with 158 million tonnes of lithium, accounting for 17% of Europe’s total reserves. The project, if completed, would produce 58,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually, enough to power one million electric vehicles and meet 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs. This would position Rio Tinto among the top 10 global lithium producers.

    Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić recently stated that lithium mining in the country would not proceed without guarantees from leading global experts. He stressed that no excavation would occur until all guarantees are secured, predicting no action in the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, Serbia signed agreements with the European Union and Germany granting exclusive access to Serbian lithium for EU members and major car manufacturers, following a court ruling that declared the previous revocation of the Jadar project’s license unconstitutional.

    Despite these developments, public opposition remains strong. Thousands protested last week against the Jadar project, with another major protest planned in Belgrade on Saturday. Handanovic questioned the motives behind the protests, suggesting they were more about opposing the government than genuine ecological concerns. She also noted that the project would enable Serbia to leverage its significant mineral resources, including copper, zinc, lead, gold, and lithium, by gaining access to advanced technical expertise.