MINEX Forum

Website: Europe.com

  • Serbian, Slovakian, Alpine mines were major copper providers in prehistoric Europe

    Serbian, Slovakian, Alpine mines were major copper providers in prehistoric Europe

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – mining.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mining.com%2Fserbian-slovakian-alpine-mines-were-major-copper-providers-in-prehistoric-europe%2F%3Futm_source%3DDaily_Digest%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DMNG-DIGESTS%26utm_content%3Dserbian-slovakian-alpine-mines-were-major-copper-providers-in-prehistoric-europe|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]

    An international team of researchers analyzed the geochemistry of copper artifacts from prehistoric Europe and found that those produced before 3500 BC derived exclusively from mines in southeast Europe, especially Serbian mining areas, while later artifacts include ores from the eastern Alps and Slovak Mountains and, much later, potentially the British Isles.

    In a paper published in the journal Plos One, the archaeologists explain that early copper artifacts are considered to have a high cultural and historical significance in European prehistory but until now, limited information existed about how copper was used and distributed in Neolithic Europe. To get more information, the authors analyzed 45 copper objects, including axes, chisels, and other items, from various sites dating to the 4th and 3rd millennia BC of Northern Central Europe and Southern Scandinavia.

    In detail, they examined the lead isotopic signature of the copper objects to link them to previously sampled sources of ore around the Old Continent.

    Their results indicate fluctuations in metallurgic activity over time, including a decrease in the prevalence of copper artifacts around 3000 BC.

    According to the group, these changes in the origins and availability of copper likely reflect differences in distribution networks through time, probably influenced by changing economies, social structures, communication networks, and technologies across prehistoric Europe. Further study of the sources and uses of copper artifacts will enhance our understanding of how metal goods were produced and distributed around the continent in the past.

    “Based on lead isotope analyses of the largest sample to date of Neolithic copper objects from southern Scandinavia and northern Germany, the study proves that the exchange of metallic objects connected Europe over long distances,” the paper reads. “However, the introduction of new technologies and materials alone did not lead to social changes; their integration required deliberate choices by societies.”

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  • European Metals Says Czech Lithium Test Results Exceed Expectations

    European Metals Says Czech Lithium Test Results Exceed Expectations

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – marketwatch.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Feuropean-metals-says-czech-lithium-test-results-exceed-expectations-fcb6145d|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]European Metals Holdings said Thursday that its definitive feasibility study remains on track after tests on its lithium project in Cinovec, Czech Republic, surpassed previous performance indicators.

    The mining company said the tests were undertaken at Nagrom Laboratories in Perth, Australia repeatedly reached above 95% lithium recovery from flotation concentration of zinnwaldite in fine ore.

    The results from the testing and optimization of the flotation concentration have exceeded expectations, the company said.

    “These outstanding lithium recoveries further enhance Cinovec’s already exceptional potential as a future battery-grade lithium supply hub for Europe and the rest of the world,” Cadence Minerals Chief Executive Kiran Morzaria said.

    Cadence Minerals holds around 6.8% of the equity in European Metals.

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  • European Metals hails ‘outstanding’ metallurgy results from Cinovec

    European Metals hails ‘outstanding’ metallurgy results from Cinovec

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – World Crunch” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fworldcrunch.com%2Fbusiness-finance%2Flithium-mines-in-europe%23toggle-gdpr|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]European Metals Holdings Ltd (AIM:EMH, ASX:EMH, OTCQX:EMHLF) (EMH) has said it is delighted with results from metallurgy tests on ore from its Cinovec lithium deposit, with a flotation process repeatedly hitting more than 95% recoveries.

    Flotation is a process that crucially does not involve the use of acid so is cheaper and less environmentally damaging.

    “Testing and optimisation of flotation for the concentration of zinnwaldite in fine ore has exceeded expectations and further demonstrated the potential for high overall lithium recoveries when combined with magnetic separation for the coarse particle size ranges,” the company said a statement.

    Keith Coughlan, EMH’s executive chairman, added: “The exceptional lithium extraction results are outstanding and further underline the commercial viability of operations at Cinovec. These results show repeatability of >95% lithium recovery at neutral pH and confirm both capex and opex reductions, demonstrating the strong operational viability of the FECAB plant.

    “The neutral pH of the flotation further enhances the already strong ESG credentials of the Cinovec Project particularly when compared to the acid flotation used on micas elsewhere around the globe.

    “We expect the current test work to be completed by the end of June and will publish the full results.”

    Metallurgy tests are a key part of a definitive feasibility study currently being prepared for Cinovec and that remains on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of this year, said EMH.

    The Cinovec deposit is in the Czech Republic and is being developed as a joint venture (Geomet) with the state-owned power group CEZ.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

  • Wolfsberg lithium project, Austria

    Wolfsberg lithium project, Austria

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – Mining Weekly” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.miningweekly.com%2Farticle%2Fwolfsberg-lithium-project-austria-2023-05-26|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Name of the Project
    Wolfsberg lithium project.

    Location
    The mine and concentrator site are located about 20 km east of Wolfsberg, and the hydrometallurgical plant is located to the south of Wolfsberg, in Austria.

    Project Owner/s
    European Lithium.

    Project Description
    Wolfsberg has measured, indicated and inferred resources of 12.88-million tonnes grading 1% lithium oxide.

    The Wolfsberg definitive feasibility study (DFS) plans an average (steady-state) mine production rate of 780 000 t/y, peaking at 840 000 t/y over the life-of-mine (LoM), which is based on an ore reserve of 11.48-million tonnes, mined over 14.6 years.

    The DFS envisages two integrated operations, a mining and processing operation to produce a lithium concentrate (spodumene), and a hydrometallurgical plant to convert the spodumene into battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate.

    The hydrometallurgical plant is planned to produce an estimated 8 800 t/y of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, with a total production of about 129 000 t of lithium hydroxide monohydrate over the LoM.

    Total spodumene concentrate production is estimated at 90 000 t, coarse feldspar at 1.95-million tonnes, fine feldspar at 587 000 t, total coarse quartz at one-million tonnes and total fine quartz at 164 000 t.

    Potential Job Creation
    Not stated.

    Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
    The project has an after-tax net present value, at a 6% discount rate (weighted average cost of capital), of $1.5-billion and an internal rate of return of 33.3%, with a payback of 6.75 years.

    Capital Expenditure
    Estimated capital expenditure is estimated at $873-million.

    Planned Start/End Date
    Not stated.

    Latest Developments
    None stated.

    Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
    DRA (DFS); Dorfner Anzaplan (metallurgical testwork in support of DRA process engineering); SENET – South Africa (hydrometallurgical plant study, on behalf of DRA); SRK Consulting (mining engineering and mine capital and operating cost estimates, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology and ore reserves); Paterson & Cooke (tailings design with capital and operating cost estimate); Orykton Consulting (marketing study spodumene, battery-grade lithium hydroxide and by-products); Mine-IT Sanak-Oberndorfer – Austria (resource evaluation); Umweltbüro – Austria (environmental baseline studies); DLA Piper – Austria (mining law); Haslinger Nagele – Austria (permitting regime) Kärntner Montanindustrie – Austria (liaison with Austrian authorities); Benchmark Mineral Intelligence – UK (marketing study for lithium carbonate/hydroxide); Gambosch Consulting – Australia (analysis of lithium market); Cresco Project Finance – South Africa (financial model, on behalf of DRA); ZAMG – Austria (meteorology seismic snow-wind loads for both project sites).

    Contact Details for Project Information
    European Lithium, tel +61 8 6181 9792 or email info@europeanlithium.com.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

  • There will be no Strike of Miners in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    There will be no Strike of Miners in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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    The independent trade union of the Zenica Coal Mines Subsidiary, which has been holding a one-hour warning strike every day since Monday due to non-compliance with the collective agreement, at today’s extended session made a decision to cancel the decision to enter into a general strike, confirmed the president of that trade union, Elvedin Avdić.

    Avdić said that this decision had to be invalidated because it was not legally based. However, if the miners do not go down into the pits today, the Union stands by them, he added.

    The miners of both pit plants of the Subsidiary Company Brown Coal Mines Zenica, “Raspotočje” and “Stara jama” hereby warn of the problems caused by the blocking of the company’s accounts, which implies unpaid full salaries for March, i.e. unpaid installments of loans to banks for the month of March and the impossibility of payment and for April.

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  • Critical Raw Materials Institute from Serbia to tackle domestic natural resources exploitation for the benefits of local economy

    Critical Raw Materials Institute from Serbia to tackle domestic natural resources exploitation for the benefits of local economy

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – Open PR” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.openpr.com%2Fnews%2F3065246%2Fcritical-raw-materials-institute-from-serbia-to-tackle-domestic|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]The Institute for Critical Raw Materials was formed in Serbian capital of Belgrade by domestic mining companies and experts, with the aim of applying new technologies in raw material base applications for domestic industry.

    The Institute for Critical Materials is part of a global and European initiative for the protection of local raw material bases of critical materials that are used in industrial production processes, from the pharmaceutical and chemical industries to new technologies such as batteries, electrical devices and equipment for plants based on renewable energy sources.

    The Institute has a balanced approach between the highest ecological principles and the requirements of new technologies, with the goal of sustainable economic development of the country, using domestic raw materials in the process of industrialization of the country with new technologies. An innovative high-tech process that will create new values ​​and new sustainable jobs, products of new technologies, the export of which will affect the national GDP.

    The Institute aims to research and develop new applications for key rare materials, together with domestic eminent experts who are focused on components of key materials for the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries based on calcium carbonate.

    The Institute for Critical Materials is a center of synergy between the economy, scientific research circles and domestic intelligence. A one-of-a-kind innovative expert scientific economic innovation center and technological hub that will contribute to the state’s strategy to retain young scientific and professional talents in the country and provide them with the necessary platform to connect with European colleagues in the process of applying new technologies.

    The Serbian Institute for Critical Materials is the first domestic center for research, exchange of knowledge and information about raw materials and consideration of strategies for their use. The Materials Institute will be host of series of expert panels designed for education, collaboration and will service solutions to challenges when it comes to raw materials and decarbonized economy.

    The Institute will be a collaborative venture of experts whose main focus will be on research and sustainable management of raw materials, including minerals, metals, energy and other natural resources.

    The goal of the institute is to contribute to the development of new technologies, practices and policies that will promote the efficient use of raw materials, regulate their consumption and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

    The Raw Materials Institute will focus on:

    New mining technologies that would reduce the environmental impact of the critical materials industry, and at the same time strengthening the Serbian industry,

    Development of capacity in extraction and processing, as of key importance for the self-sustainable economic development of Serbia,

    The construction of domestic processing capacities in order to ensure added value for agriculture in Serbia, instead of abroad

    Merger of key actors: mining companies, chemical companies, pharmaceutical companies and environmental protection companies.

    The opening of the institute represents a significant move towards sustainable and efficient use of critical materials in Serbia.

    Active promotion among domestic professional scientific and business circles will take place in cooperation with the institutional partner PKS, in parallel with ongoing international activities, which at the same time represent an innovative approach in the promotion of Serbia and its potential.

    Through its website, the Institute for Critical Materials will promptly inform all interested members of the public about networking events as well as the presentation of the first domestic white paper of proposals for the management of national critical raw materials.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

  • Gabriel Resources Announces US$4.75 Million Private Placement

    Gabriel Resources Announces US$4.75 Million Private Placement

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – gabrielresources.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gabrielresources.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FGabriel_PR_May_2023_Private_Placement.pdf|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV trading symbol GBU – “Gabriel” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into definitive subscription agreements with certain investors in connection with a non-brokered private placement (the “Private Placement”) of up to 24,782,212 common shares of the Company (“Common Share”) at a price of $0.26 per Common Share (“Purchase Price”) for gross proceeds of up to US$4.75 million (approximate $6.4 million), subject to stock exchange and other approvals as applicable.

    The Purchase Price has been fixed at the closing price of the Common Shares on the trading day immediately preceding this announcement. The number of Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Private Placement represents approximately 2.5% of the Common Shares currently issued and outstanding on a non-diluted basis.
    Insiders of the Company have subscribed for 17,489,111 Common Shares for gross proceeds of US$3.35 million under the Private Placement. The issuance of Common Shares to insiders pursuant to the Private Placement will constitute a ‘related party transaction’ within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9
    and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company intends to rely on certain exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a), 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect
    of related party participation in the Private Placement, as the Company is not listed on specified markets and neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves the related parties, exceeds 25% of the Company’s
    market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

    The closing of the Private Placement is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (“Exchange”) and the receipt of all other applicable approvals. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in completing the Private Placement. On receipt of
    approvals, it is anticipated that the Private Placement will close on or about June 8, 2023 or such earlier or later date as may be determined by the Company, subject to satisfaction or waiver by the relevant party of the conditions of closing. The Common Shares to be issued on closing of the Private Placement are subject to a
    statutory 4-month hold period.
    The Company is progressing with its arbitration case against Romania before the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID Arbitration”) and intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement to finance the costs of the ongoing ICSID Arbitration and for general working capital
    requirements.

    The Company expects to file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction less than 21days prior to the closing of the Private Placement, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of the proceeds of the Private Placement in an expeditious manner.

    The Company will not pay any finder’s fee in respect of the procurement of arm’s length subscribers in connection with the Private Placement.

    The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States or to “U.S. persons”, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated
    under the U.S. Securities Act (“U.S. Persons”), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities to,
    or for the account of benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons.
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  • Carbon Footprint of Rock Tech Lithium 30 Percent Below Average

    Carbon Footprint of Rock Tech Lithium 30 Percent Below Average

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – juniorminingnetwork.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.juniorminingnetwork.com%2Fjunior-miner-news%2Fpress-releases%2F1287-tsx-venture%2Frck%2F141943-rock-tech-s-guben-converter-lithium-production-carbon-footprint-is-30-percent-lower-than-the-international-energy-agency-s-reported-average.html|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]VANCOUVER, BC, May 24, 2023 /CNW/ – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) is pleased to share the findings of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) from its planned conversion plant in Guben, Germany (“Guben Converter”). The study was carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (“Fraunhofer UMSICHT”) in accordance with ISO 14040 (2006) par. 4.3.3 and ISO 14044 (2006) par. 6.2, and was then critically reviewed by DEKRA, an independent external expert. According to the LCA base case scenario, the carbon footprint of battery-grade LHM from Guben is 10.5 kg per kilogram. It also shows the ability to considerably reduce emissions to 5.4 kg. When compared against an International Energy Agency (IEA) special report, Rock Tech’s base case footprint for LHM from hard rock is 30 percent lower.

    Dirk Harbecke, Chief Executive Officer of Rock Tech, states, “We want to contribute to zero-emissions and battery electric vehicles, accepting the challenge to reduce the environmental impact of our lithium hydroxide. The LCA shows that we and our partners in the market have the power to bring about this change through commercial decisions.”

    The renowned German Fraunhofer UMSICHT has evaluated the “cradle-to-gate” environmental impact of battery-grade LHM to be produced at Rock Tech’s Guben Converter, with an emphasis on the carbon footprint. The base case carbon footprint is projected to be 10.5 kg CO2-eq/kg LHM, encompassing all upstream emissions and an assumed distance of transit from Australia to Germany.

    The main sources of emissions per 1 kilogram of LHM in the LCA scenarios were attributed to energy supply for the Guben Converter with 4.3 kg CO2-eq (average grid mix electricity, natural gas, and steam, excluding transport), mining and concentration of spodumene with 3.8 kg CO2-eq, and transportation and shipping of spodumene concentrate with 0.7 kg CO2-eq.

    When compared against the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) special study on “The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions” (also see Table 1), Rock Tech’s base carbon footprint is 30 percent lower. Furthermore, through mainly careful choice of suppliers, the Company has the ability to reduce emissions to 5.4 kg CO2-eq./kg LHM, which could be compared to the estimated carbon footprint of LHM from brine in the IEA special report.

    In the base case scenario, credits of -1.0 kg CO2-eq./kg LHM are given to one by-product by applying the avoided burden approach.1 The assessment also shows different scenarios that could cut the emissions in half by commercial choice of suppliers alone, without adapting the conversion process.

    Changing from an average grid mix to exclusively renewable sources might reduce the footprint by more than 20% compared to the baseline scenario. Spodumene mining also has a lot of potential for improvement. Considering of supplies from Rock Tech’s Georgia Lake Project in Ontario, Canada, or reduced emissions claimed by some existing Australian mining companies, might significantly lower the footprint.

    The LCA did not take into account Rock Tech’s ambitions2 towards a zero-waste scenario because the exact quantification of its influence could not yet be determined clearly. Nonetheless, the targeted use of by-products remains a strategic priority that could bring additional emission-saving potential beyond the scope of the present study. The same holds true when substituting natural gas with hydrogen. These measures will provide further considerable benefits in the future.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,
    Dirk Harbecke
    Chairman & CEO

    1 To effectively avoid greenwashing, credits from by-product utilization are not accounted for in the net sum emissions of Rock Tech LCA, although Rock Tech supports avoiding carbon emissions in an industry beyond the scope of the LCA.

    2 See also Rock Tech’s press release “Implementing Zero-Waste: Rock Tech Lithium, GP Papenburg and Schwenk Zement Collaborate for Closer Commercial Utilisation of Lithium By-Products” issued 30 January, 2023.

    DATA AND CONFORMITY OF THE STUDY

    The LCA takes into account several impact categories and examines the possible environmental impact of products, processes, and services throughout their lifecycle. This method ensures that all of the essential factors are assessed for a sustainable decision-making process. Secondary data is being used to calculate the carbon footprint of spodumene mining and concentration. All LHM manufacturing processes rely on primary data. The primary data originates from mass and energy flow sheets (activity data) from the Company’s Bankable Project Study, which was published on November 4, 2022. Furthermore, the LCA has been critically assessed by an independent third party (DEKRA) in accordance with ISO 14071 (2016) paragraph 4.3.3 and ISO 14044 (2006) paragraph 6.2. The Company created a comparison of Rock Tech’s carbon footprint to the IEA special report (see table 1), which is not subject to the LCA done by Fraunhofer or third-party verification by DEKRA.

    ABOUT ROCK TECH

    Rock Tech is a cleantech company with operations in Canada and Germany on a mission to produce lithium hydroxide for electric vehicle batteries. The Company plans to build lithium converters at the door-step of its customers, to guarantee supply-chain transparency and just-in-time delivery, beginning with the Company’s proposed lithium hydroxide merchant converter and refinery facility in Guben, Germany. To close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story, Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process aimed at further increasing efficiency and sustainability. Rock Tech plans to source raw material from its wholly-owned Georgia Lake spodumene project located in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, as well as procuring it from other responsibly producing mines. In the years to come, the Company expects to also source raw material from discarded batteries. Rock Tech’s goal: to create a closed-loop lithium production system. www.rocktechlithium.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking information” under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “predicts”, “believes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, forward-looking statements contained in this news release include: statements and data from the LCA, including the carbon footprint calculations therein; the further potential reduction of the Company’s carbon footprint and emissions; and the Company’s future plans and expectations as described in the section “About Rock Tech”.

    Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The material factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements include: the type of mining and concentration of lithium; the distance required for transportation of concentrate; the mix of energy supply for the Guben Converter; the Company’s ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; and that financing will be available to the Company on commercial terms. There may also be other factors that cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators.

    No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.­

    ATTACHMENT

    Table 1 | Rock Tech carbon footprint comparison against International Energy Agency (IEA) special report.
    “Rock Tech’s Guben Converter Lithium Production Carbon Footprint is 30 Percent Lower than the International Energy Agency’s Reported Average. Fraunhofer UMSICHT conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and calculated the carbon footprint to 10.5 kgCO2-eq./kg LHM. The footprint could be reduced to 5.4 kgCO2 eq./kg LHM through careful commercial selection. (CNW Group/Rock Tech Lithium Inc.)” />

    Sources:

    Original IEA values are reported in lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and were converted to LiOH.H20 using a 0.88 conversion rate. Adapted from International Energy Agency (IEA) Special Report: “The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions” page 196 of revised version, March 2022: https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions; accessed 22 May 2023.

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  • Carbon Footprint of Rock Tech Lithium 30 Percent Below Average

    Carbon Footprint of Rock Tech Lithium 30 Percent Below Average

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – juniorminingnetwork.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.juniorminingnetwork.com%2Fjunior-miner-news%2Fpress-releases%2F1287-tsx-venture%2Frck%2F141943-rock-tech-s-guben-converter-lithium-production-carbon-footprint-is-30-percent-lower-than-the-international-energy-agency-s-reported-average.html|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]VANCOUVER, BC, May 24, 2023 /CNW/ – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) is pleased to share the findings of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) from its planned conversion plant in Guben, Germany (“Guben Converter”). The study was carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (“Fraunhofer UMSICHT”) in accordance with ISO 14040 (2006) par. 4.3.3 and ISO 14044 (2006) par. 6.2, and was then critically reviewed by DEKRA, an independent external expert. According to the LCA base case scenario, the carbon footprint of battery-grade LHM from Guben is 10.5 kg per kilogram. It also shows the ability to considerably reduce emissions to 5.4 kg. When compared against an International Energy Agency (IEA) special report, Rock Tech’s base case footprint for LHM from hard rock is 30 percent lower.

    Dirk Harbecke, Chief Executive Officer of Rock Tech, states, “We want to contribute to zero-emissions and battery electric vehicles, accepting the challenge to reduce the environmental impact of our lithium hydroxide. The LCA shows that we and our partners in the market have the power to bring about this change through commercial decisions.”

    The renowned German Fraunhofer UMSICHT has evaluated the “cradle-to-gate” environmental impact of battery-grade LHM to be produced at Rock Tech’s Guben Converter, with an emphasis on the carbon footprint. The base case carbon footprint is projected to be 10.5 kg CO2-eq/kg LHM, encompassing all upstream emissions and an assumed distance of transit from Australia to Germany.

    The main sources of emissions per 1 kilogram of LHM in the LCA scenarios were attributed to energy supply for the Guben Converter with 4.3 kg CO2-eq (average grid mix electricity, natural gas, and steam, excluding transport), mining and concentration of spodumene with 3.8 kg CO2-eq, and transportation and shipping of spodumene concentrate with 0.7 kg CO2-eq.

    When compared against the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) special study on “The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions” (also see Table 1), Rock Tech’s base carbon footprint is 30 percent lower. Furthermore, through mainly careful choice of suppliers, the Company has the ability to reduce emissions to 5.4 kg CO2-eq./kg LHM, which could be compared to the estimated carbon footprint of LHM from brine in the IEA special report.

    In the base case scenario, credits of -1.0 kg CO2-eq./kg LHM are given to one by-product by applying the avoided burden approach.1 The assessment also shows different scenarios that could cut the emissions in half by commercial choice of suppliers alone, without adapting the conversion process.

    Changing from an average grid mix to exclusively renewable sources might reduce the footprint by more than 20% compared to the baseline scenario. Spodumene mining also has a lot of potential for improvement. Considering of supplies from Rock Tech’s Georgia Lake Project in Ontario, Canada, or reduced emissions claimed by some existing Australian mining companies, might significantly lower the footprint.

    The LCA did not take into account Rock Tech’s ambitions2 towards a zero-waste scenario because the exact quantification of its influence could not yet be determined clearly. Nonetheless, the targeted use of by-products remains a strategic priority that could bring additional emission-saving potential beyond the scope of the present study. The same holds true when substituting natural gas with hydrogen. These measures will provide further considerable benefits in the future.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,
    Dirk Harbecke
    Chairman & CEO

    1 To effectively avoid greenwashing, credits from by-product utilization are not accounted for in the net sum emissions of Rock Tech LCA, although Rock Tech supports avoiding carbon emissions in an industry beyond the scope of the LCA.

    2 See also Rock Tech’s press release “Implementing Zero-Waste: Rock Tech Lithium, GP Papenburg and Schwenk Zement Collaborate for Closer Commercial Utilisation of Lithium By-Products” issued 30 January, 2023.

    DATA AND CONFORMITY OF THE STUDY

    The LCA takes into account several impact categories and examines the possible environmental impact of products, processes, and services throughout their lifecycle. This method ensures that all of the essential factors are assessed for a sustainable decision-making process. Secondary data is being used to calculate the carbon footprint of spodumene mining and concentration. All LHM manufacturing processes rely on primary data. The primary data originates from mass and energy flow sheets (activity data) from the Company’s Bankable Project Study, which was published on November 4, 2022. Furthermore, the LCA has been critically assessed by an independent third party (DEKRA) in accordance with ISO 14071 (2016) paragraph 4.3.3 and ISO 14044 (2006) paragraph 6.2. The Company created a comparison of Rock Tech’s carbon footprint to the IEA special report (see table 1), which is not subject to the LCA done by Fraunhofer or third-party verification by DEKRA.

    ABOUT ROCK TECH

    Rock Tech is a cleantech company with operations in Canada and Germany on a mission to produce lithium hydroxide for electric vehicle batteries. The Company plans to build lithium converters at the door-step of its customers, to guarantee supply-chain transparency and just-in-time delivery, beginning with the Company’s proposed lithium hydroxide merchant converter and refinery facility in Guben, Germany. To close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story, Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process aimed at further increasing efficiency and sustainability. Rock Tech plans to source raw material from its wholly-owned Georgia Lake spodumene project located in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, as well as procuring it from other responsibly producing mines. In the years to come, the Company expects to also source raw material from discarded batteries. Rock Tech’s goal: to create a closed-loop lithium production system. www.rocktechlithium.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking information” under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “predicts”, “believes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, forward-looking statements contained in this news release include: statements and data from the LCA, including the carbon footprint calculations therein; the further potential reduction of the Company’s carbon footprint and emissions; and the Company’s future plans and expectations as described in the section “About Rock Tech”.

    Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The material factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements include: the type of mining and concentration of lithium; the distance required for transportation of concentrate; the mix of energy supply for the Guben Converter; the Company’s ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; and that financing will be available to the Company on commercial terms. There may also be other factors that cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators.

    No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.­

    ATTACHMENT

    Table 1 | Rock Tech carbon footprint comparison against International Energy Agency (IEA) special report.
    “Rock Tech’s Guben Converter Lithium Production Carbon Footprint is 30 Percent Lower than the International Energy Agency’s Reported Average. Fraunhofer UMSICHT conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and calculated the carbon footprint to 10.5 kgCO2-eq./kg LHM. The footprint could be reduced to 5.4 kgCO2 eq./kg LHM through careful commercial selection. (CNW Group/Rock Tech Lithium Inc.)” />

    Sources:

    Original IEA values are reported in lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and were converted to LiOH.H20 using a 0.88 conversion rate. Adapted from International Energy Agency (IEA) Special Report: “The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions” page 196 of revised version, March 2022: https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions; accessed 22 May 2023.

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  • Critical Raw Materials: EU ministers want to move fast but dilemmas abound

    Critical Raw Materials: EU ministers want to move fast but dilemmas abound

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – euractiv.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euractiv.com%2Fsection%2Feconomy-jobs%2Fnews%2Fcritical-raw-materials-eu-ministers-want-to-move-fast-but-dilemmas-abound%2F|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Industry ministers from the EU’s 27 member states met in Brussels to discuss the bloc’s supply of critical raw materials on Monday (22 May), as the Swedish EU Council Presidency aims to reach a common position before the summer.

    “This is a prioritised file during the Swedish presidency,” Sweden’s industry minister Ebba Busch told her counterparts at the beginning of the discussion on the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).

    The European Commission tabled the CRMA on 16 March, aiming to decrease the EU’s dependence on China and other countries for raw materials that are considered essential for the green and digital transitions, such as lithium or rare earths which are used in car batteries or wind turbine magnets.

    In its proposal, the Commission set out targets for self-sufficiency in mining, refining, and recycling of raw materials. To support this, Brussels wants to ease permitting rules for new mining projects and create a joint purchasing platform for European companies at the EU level so they can get better deals.

    While ministers in Brussels underlined the need for “tempo, tempo, tempo”, as Busch said, they also pointed to a variety of concerns that member states still have with the proposal.

    Dilemmas

    “My main concern today is with the social opposition that we have in Europe to develop this type of mines,” Portuguese economy minister António Costa Silva said, describing what he called a paradox: “people would like to develop a very advanced technological civilisation, but they reject completely the development of new mines.”

    Lisbon is keenly aware of the difficulties. For years, local residents have resisted attempts to open a new lithium mine near the village of Covas do Barroso, leading to several delays in the auctioning process, which was initially planned for 2018.

    Dara Calleary, the Irish minister, also warned of the low social acceptance of new mining projects, calling for more public engagement to support the CRMA.

    The Italian minister of economic development, Adolfo Urso, called on the European Commission “to be very assertive in terms of communication so that citizens understand the efforts”.

    Dilemmas are sure to surface in the quest for raw materials. “There is no mining without environmental impact,” Slovak State Secretary Peter Švec said.

    For example, Urso pointed to the fact that many of the Italian raw materials deposits were in tourist regions like Tuscany, Liguria and Sardinia where nature reserves make any mining activity more difficult.

    According to him, Italy not only needs swifter permitting, but also more flexibility in the application of environmental legislation.

    This is exactly what Belgium fears. “The permitting aspects should be clarified and adjusted to ensure a transparent and inclusive process for the impacted stakeholders,” the Flemish economy minister Jo Brouns said, underlining the need to uphold high social and environmental standards.

    Recycling and international partnerships

    With the obstacles faced by new mining projects clear, some ministers argued for more ambitious recycling targets.

    German State Secretary Sven Giegold, for instance, proposed introducing minimum recycling targets for specific raw materials. French Minister Roland Lescure, meanwhile, suggested limiting the export of waste “to encourage the circular economy”.

    Ministers also stressed the need to reduce the EU’s dependency on China by fostering international partnerships with other countries.

    With an eye to ongoing negotiations on the Mercosur trade agreement, Spanish State Secretary Sara Aagesen Muñoz called for partnerships, especially with Latin American countries. The goal of fostering such mutually beneficial international partnerships, meanwhile, could run counter to the CRMA’s ambition to increase the EU’s domestic processing capacities.

    Negotiations between EU member states will be under intense time pressure as the Swedish EU Presidency aims to reach a “general approach” to the proposal in the Council before the summer break. At the same time, the European Parliament is also negotiating its position in view of opening final talks with EU countries in the autumn.

    Closing the discussion on Monday, Swedish Minister Busch once again underlined the urgency of the file, saying that 90% of the raw materials needed for the green transition were coming from China.

    “We need to show […] that we have drawn the lessons from our dependency on Russian gas and how vulnerable we are as a Union if we are so dependent on one single country,” she said.

    [Edited by Frédéric Simon/Nathalie Weatherald][/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]