MINEX Forum

Website: Europe.com

  • Activists Demand Serbia Halt Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mining Project

    Activists Demand Serbia Halt Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mining Project

    In western Serbia, a strong movement against Rio Tinto’s jadarite mining project near Loznica is demanding a ban on the exploration and mining of lithium and boron. Activists warned that if the Government of Serbia does not comply, they will radicalize their resistance through railway blockades. The protests have attracted participants from Jadar, Loznica, and various cities in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly those from areas with existing or planned mining projects. The event was organized by the local group Ne damo Jadar along with Marš sa Drine, Suvoborska greda, and other associations under the Association of Environmental Organizations of Serbia (SEOS).

    Marijana Petković, representing Ne damo Jadar, highlighted that activists found evidence of toxic exploration drilling fluid being disposed of at the city landfill. On July 1, the government will receive a formal demand to ban lithium and boron exploration and mining nationwide. The movement has vowed to start blockades on railroads and other key points if the demand is not met within 40 days. This follows a 2022 petition with over 38,000 signatures, which the National Assembly ignored despite being legally obliged to discuss it.

    Professor Ljiljana Tomović from the University of Belgrade emphasized that stopping the exploitation of jadarite is crucial to prevent damage to the flora, fauna, habitats, and ecosystems in the Jadar Valley. Similarly, Professor Slobodan Vukosavić from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade warned of the risk of wastewater contamination from the mine affecting the Mačva area. He stressed the importance of water amid climate change and suggested future conflicts would be over water, not lithium.

    Activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, facing similar mining threats, joined the protest in Loznica. Adi Selman from Karton revolucija spoke passionately about protecting the Gornje Nedeljice, Loznica, the Drina and Sava rivers, and other threatened areas. Dragan Simović, a farmer from Srednja Dobrinja, highlighted the adverse effects of mining in other regions like Bor and Majdanpek and urged for intensified protests and a ban on mining.

  • Sweden Joins Sustainable Critical Mineral Alliance to Promote Green and Inclusive Mining

    Sweden Joins Sustainable Critical Mineral Alliance to Promote Green and Inclusive Mining

    In a significant step towards a sustainable future, Sweden has joined the Sustainable Critical Mineral Alliance (SCMA). This coalition, led by Canada and established in December 2022, includes Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US. The alliance aims to ensure environmentally sustainable and socially responsible mining practices, crucial for achieving net-zero emissions. The SCMA focuses on supporting local and Indigenous communities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting a circular economy. Canadian Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Swedish Minister Ebba Busch emphasized the importance of high environmental, social, and governance (ESG)standards in the mining industry.

  • Norway Launches First Seabed Mineral Licensing Round in the Arctic

    Norway Launches First Seabed Mineral Licensing Round in the Arctic

    Norway has announced the offering of large areas in the Arctic region for its inaugural seabed mineral licensing round, aiming to award exploration permits by the first half of 2025, according to the country’s energy ministry. This initiative could make Norway the first country in the world to commence commercial deep-sea mining, targeting the extraction of minerals essential for solar panels, wind turbines, and electric car batteries needed for the green transition away from fossil fuels.

    “The world needs minerals for the green transition, and the government wants to explore if it is possible to extract seabed minerals in a sustainable manner from the Norwegian continental shelf,” stated Energy Minister Terje Aasland.

    Preliminary official resource estimates indicate substantial accumulations of metals and minerals, including copper and rare earth elements. In January, the Norwegian parliament approved opening approximately 280,000 km² of ocean areas between Jan Mayen island and the Svalbard archipelago for seabed mineral exploration. The 386 blocks proposed on Wednesday cover about 38% of the total area opened by parliament, selected based on industry input, the energy ministry said.

    Despite the government’s ambitions, seabed mining has drawn criticism from environmentalists concerned about potential disruptions to one of the last relatively pristine natural environments. Organizations like WWF and Greenpeace have expressed significant concerns, challenging Norway’s plans in court and warning about the potential impact on fragile ecosystems. WWF condemned the proposal, calling it a substantial blow to Norway’s reputation as a responsible steward of the oceans. Greenpeace labeled the proposed area as “shockingly large,” citing previous scientific warnings.

    Internationally, Norway’s seabed mineral exploration plans face opposition from several countries, including France, which has advocated for a global moratorium to better understand the impact on deep-sea organisms. The Council of the European Union also voiced concerns, emphasizing the need for thorough impact assessments.

    The Norwegian government has assured that the initial exploration stage will have minimal impact on seabed organisms and stated that companies will need separate consents before any production can commence.

  • Solvay’s La Rochelle Plant Aims for Revival Amid Europe’s Green Energy Push

    Solvay’s La Rochelle Plant Aims for Revival Amid Europe’s Green Energy Push

    Four decades ago, a rare earth processing plant on France’s Atlantic coast was one of the largest in the world, producing materials essential for color televisions, arc lights, and camera lenses. Today, its owner Solvay is striving to rejuvenate the La Rochelle plant after years of reduced output, aligning with Europe’s efforts to enhance mineral production vital for the green energy transition.

    The factory’s 76-year history highlights the challenges faced by Europe and the United States as they attempt to reverse the significant shift of rare earth processing to China that began around 25 years ago. China emerged as a dominant force in rare earths, a group of 17 minerals, by offering lower prices than the West, bolstered by government support and often disregarding environmental concerns that accompany the sector’s toxic waste production. Recently, China has intensified sustainability efforts and closed polluting operations.

    In the 1980s and 1990s, the La Rochelle plant’s output set the global benchmark for rare earth prices. Today, it produces 4,000 metric tons annually of separated rare earth oxides, a small portion compared to China’s 298,000 tons last year. Solvay’s current focus is on processed rare earths for auto catalysts and electronics, not the permanent magnets essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and wind energy. However, Solvay plans to start producing these by next year.

    “We at Solvay want to put rare earths for permanent magnets back on the map in Europe,” said An Nuyttens, president of Solvay’s division that produces rare earth products. “It’s not an easy one; it’s going to be step by step, as the chain from mining up to magnets production needs to be built.”

    The 160-year-old chemicals group aims to eventually supply 20% to 30% of Europe’s separated rare earths demand for magnet production, but Nuyttens noted this target might not be achievable until after 2030, with no specific date given.

    Under a new EU law effective since May, the bloc has set ambitious 2030 targets for domestic production of critical minerals necessary for the green transition: 10% of annual needs mined, 25% recycled, and 40% processed domestically by the decade’s end. Rare earths, crucial for permanent magnets that power motors in EVs and wind energy, are among the most important critical minerals. EU demand is predicted to increase sixfold by 2030 and sevenfold by 2050.

    However, according to production forecasts and interviews with over a dozen industry executives, consultants, EU-funded officials, industry groups, and investors, the EU will struggle to meet most of its rare earth goals. Missing targets in the Critical Raw Material Act (CRMA) could hinder the bloc’s zero-carbon ambitions and increase dependence on China amid heightened geopolitical tensions with the West. China currently accounts for 98% of EU rare earth permanent magnet imports.

    EU Commission spokesperson Johanna Bernsel stated that while they couldn’t confirm the Reuters findings, the bloc would do its best to support projects that help meet CRMA goals. “Projects in Europe will benefit from a streamlined permitting process, as well as coordinated support for accessing de-risking financing tools and matchmaking with downstream users,” Bernsel said.

  • Karelian Diamonds Discovers Promising Nickel, Copper, and PGE Targets in Northern Ireland

    Karelian Diamonds Discovers Promising Nickel, Copper, and PGE Targets in Northern Ireland

    In a significant development for the mining industry, Karelian Diamonds has uncovered promising signs of nickel, copper, and platinum group elements (PGEs) within its licensed areas in Northern Ireland. The revelation follows a detailed assessment carried out by independent geological consultant Dr. Larry Hulbert, which was spurred by Karelian’s earlier identification of indicator minerals during a stream sediment sampling program.

    Dr. Hulbert’s evaluation highlights geological parallels to the Baraga basin in Michigan—a part of the Mid-Continental Rift system in North America, which is home to major deposits like Eagle and Eagle East. He advised Karelian to base its exploration strategy on the successful Eagle deposit model.

    Furthermore, the assessment noted similarities to other globally renowned nickel, copper, and PGE deposits found in continental flood basalts, such as those in Norilsk, Russia, and the Emeishan Large Igneous Province in China. These parallels underscore the potential significance of Karelian’s findings.

    In his report, Dr. Hulbert stated, “What would have been considered a low potential nickel/copper/PGE exploration area pre-1995 has changed due to recent discoveries and the subsequent development of new exploration models. Recognition of similar geological and metallogenic environments, regardless of geological age, like that between the Proterozoic Baraga Basin Eagle mining camp setting and the KDR property, is what will lead to new nickel/copper/PGE discoveries. What was once not obvious is now obvious!”

    Based on Dr. Hulbert’s recommendations, Karelian Diamonds has pinpointed a series of promising targets within its licensed areas for further exploration. “Dr. Hulbert’s review is extremely encouraging. The geological similarities with areas associated with world-class discoveries of nickel, copper, and PGEs, such as the Eagle and Eagle East deposits, are striking,” commented Karelian’s chairperson, Professor Richard Conroy.

  • NewPeak Metals to Divest Swedish Mineral Permits in Rejuvenation Plan

    NewPeak Metals to Divest Swedish Mineral Permits in Rejuvenation Plan

    In a strategic move to rejuvenate its operations, diversified mineral exploration junior NewPeak Metals has signed a term sheet to sell its Swedish mineral permits. The ASX-listed company is set to divest 100% of its Finnish subsidiary, which holds the portfolio of Sweden permits. This decision follows the recent sale of their Finland gold permits, marking the company’s complete exit from Scandinavia.

    The buyer, an unlisted Canadian private company led by resources entrepreneur Emma Fairhurst, will acquire NewPeak Sweden. Upon the execution of the transaction documents, NewPeak will receive C$250,000 in shares of the Canadian entity. Additionally, a milestone payment of C$750,000 in cash or shares will be made once a resource of at least three million tonnes at 0.3% tungsten is reported.

    The transaction is scheduled to close by August 31. NewPeak anticipates that the rights from the private company will be assigned to a publicly listed Canadian entity by the close of the transaction.

    NewPeak chairperson Brian Moller expressed satisfaction with the deal, highlighting that the Swedish mineral assetswere a no-cost addition to the original acquisition of the Finland Gold projects. He noted that despite minimal expenditure on field exploration and resource evaluation, the results showed significant potential.

    The Swedish assets include seven exploration permits covering a total area of 11,012 hectares in the historical tungsten mining field of Bergslagen, near the city of Grängesberg. These permits encompass the Yxsjöberg, Gubbo, Hörken, Högfors, Sandudden, and Gänsen prospects.

    With its exit from Scandinavia, NewPeak Metals now focuses on its Argentinian gold assets, the last remaining for divestment. The company is currently in discussions regarding these assets but maintains that they hold substantial potential, and NewPeak may continue to develop them independently.

  • SQM and Talga Group Partner to Develop Sweden’s Aero Lithium Project

    SQM and Talga Group Partner to Develop Sweden’s Aero Lithium Project

    SQM (NYSE: SQM), the world’s second largest lithium producer, has signed an earn-in agreement with Talga Group(ASX: TLG), a company specializing in battery anode and advanced materials, to jointly advance the Aero lithium project in northern Sweden. Under this agreement, the Chilean lithium miner can earn up to a 70% interest in Aero by funding up to $19 million in exploration spending over a seven-year period.

    Talga will maintain all rights and obligations over graphite minerals at Aero and will receive a management fee for each stage of the earn-in deal. Additionally, Talga will be awarded a “success fee” if a decision to mine is made. Mark Thompson, managing director of Talga, expressed that collaborating with SQM presents an opportunity to build a European lithium supply center. “As one of the few potentially large-scale lithium hard rock opportunities in Europe, Aero might be significant to the region’s battery and electric vehicle industry,” Thompson said.

    Once the earn-in period concludes, both parties must contribute to further expenditures proportionate to their ownership stakes or face dilution. SQM International Lithium division CEO, Mark Fones, stated that the deal with Talga aligns with SQM’s strategy to build a global and competitive lithium asset portfolio. “Expanding into new and promising jurisdictions, such as Sweden, has been a strategic goal for us, and partnering with Talga, who has demonstrated expertise in the region, further enhances this achievement,” Fones noted.

    SQM’s expansion efforts began about three years ago, initially targeting Australia. In July, SQM reached an earn-in deal with Tambourah Metals (ASX: TMB) for the Julimar North project in Western Australia. Subsequently, SQM acquired a 30% interest in Australia’s Pirra Lithium, with an option to increase its stake to 40%. SQM also formed a partnership with Hancock Prospecting, owned by Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, for the Azure’s Andover project.

    In addition to international ventures, SQM holds a 50/50 interest with Wesfarmers in the Mt. Holland lithium mine in Western Australia, which commenced operations in March. This operation is expected to produce enough lithium hydroxide to power nearly one million new electric vehicles annually for fifty years.

    Domestically, SQM has expanded its lithium carbonate capacity, aiming to produce 210,000 tonnes this year and 240,000 tonnes by 2025, with a target of 305,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent by then. The company recently signed an agreement with copper giant Codelco, granting the state-run miner a majority share in the new partnership while extending SQM’s lease in the Atacama salt flats through 2060.

  • Aurubis Appoints Toralf Haag as New Chief Executive

    Aurubis Appoints Toralf Haag as New Chief Executive

    Germany’s Aurubis has announced the appointment of Toralf Haag as its new chief executive, effective September 1. Additionally, Tim Kurth, currently the managing director of the Bulgarian branch, will take on the role of Chief Operations Officer for custom smelting, the company stated on Thursday.

    In January, the copper producer revealed it had agreed to terminate the contracts of its chief executive and chief financial officers amid a top-level reshuffle due to their handling of an alleged theft and fraud incident.

    Aurubis shares experienced a significant uptick, rising by 4.67% as of 1444 GMT and trading up 7.2% as of 1226 GMT, hours before the official announcement.

    A local analyst attributed the early rise in share price to a report by German business publication Manager Magazin, which mentioned that major shareholder Salzgitter had previously explored the possibility of acquiring more shares in Aurubis. The report stated that Salzgitter had enlisted two investment banks to “calculate the project.” However, Salzgitter reaffirmed it currently has “no interest” in taking over Aurubis, according to the magazine.

  • Efforts Resume to Rescue 15 Trapped Miners in Poland Amid Grim Conditions

    Efforts Resume to Rescue 15 Trapped Miners in Poland Amid Grim Conditions

    Rescue workers are set to resume their efforts early Thursday to reach 15 miners trapped underground in a Polish coal mine, though local media reports suggest it may be too late to save them. The rescue operation had been suspended on Wednesday due to dangerous conditions. The miners have been trapped since Tuesday following a methane explosionthat killed at least eight miners. The incident occurred in a shaft over 1 km underground in the Halemba mine, located in the town of Ruda Slaska, 300 km southwest of Warsaw.

    “The level of the gas has fallen low enough to allow us to renew the rescue effort,” stated Zbigniew Madej, spokesman for the state-owned company Polish Coal Co, to the IAR news agency. Initial indications suggest it may take as little as two to three hours to reach the remaining miners.

    Poland’s President Lech Kaczynski expressed his concerns for the trapped men during a news conference on Wednesday after visiting the site. “Even though we should never lose hope, I will not hide the fact that the situation is very, very grim,” he said. Officials noted that the blast seemed to have damaged an underground water pump, leading to flooding and leaving little hope of finding anyone alive.

    Family members are waiting patiently at the site for news of their loved ones and are being offered counseling by local doctors. “I was once a miner myself. When I heard the news, my first thought was that my son is dead,” said Michal Wasowski, 55, whose son is among the missing. “A methane explosion is one of the most horrible things that can happen underground and this time it happened to my son.”

    The Halemba mine, one of the oldest in Poland, has been operational since 1957. Situated in the heart of the Silesia region’s industrial belt, it has witnessed several disasters, including a gas explosion in 1990 that killed 19 miners. Poland’s state-run mining industry, established before the fall of communism in 1989 and lacking investment for years, has seen hundreds of deaths over the decades. The president announced there would be a public inquiry into the cause of the disaster, noting indications that some of the miners were inexperienced and not sufficiently qualified.

  • Comparing Norway’s Oil Wealth to Serbia’s Lithium Potential

    Comparing Norway’s Oil Wealth to Serbia’s Lithium Potential

    n a recent discussion, Ana Brnabić, President of the Serbian Parliament, likened Serbia’s lithium reserves to Norway’s oil wealth, emphasizing the transformative economic potential. President Aleksandar Vučić and Mining Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović have also supported this view, particularly focusing on the Jadar lithium project by Rio Tinto. This project, which could significantly boost Serbia’s economy, faces strong opposition from environmental groups. Critics argue that Serbia lacks the robust political and regulatory framework that enabled Norway’s successful oil industry.

    Norway discovered oil in the 1960s, leading to substantial GDP growth and the creation of a significant welfare state funded by oil revenues. Serbia aims to replicate this model through lithium mining, essential for the booming electric vehicle (EV) market. Rio Tinto projects that the Jadar mine could generate 180 million euros in annual state revenue. However, the environmental impact and public resistance present major challenges. Serbia’s political landscape and regulatory systems are not as well-established as Norway’s, complicating efforts to harness lithium’s potential sustainably.

    The Jadar project involves extracting lithium from jadarite, a unique mineral found only in Serbia. The project has the potential to make Serbia a key player in the global lithium market, essential for EV batteries. However, effective management of environmental concerns and community relations is crucial for the project’s success.