MINEX Forum

Website: Europe.com

  • EU Plans Emergency Stockpiles of Critical Minerals Amid Rising Geopolitical Risks

    EU Plans Emergency Stockpiles of Critical Minerals Amid Rising Geopolitical Risks

    The European Commission is preparing to launch a sweeping initiative to build emergency stockpiles of critical minerals, in a move to safeguard the bloc’s supply chains from mounting geopolitical and cyber threats, according to a draft document seen by the Financial Times.

    The proposal advises EU member states to accelerate stockpiling of rare earth minerals, permanent magnets, and other vital components used in energy, defence, and communications infrastructure. The draft highlights a “rapidly deteriorating risk landscape” marked by rising geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks, and climate-related disruptions.

    “Europe must boost its resilience,” the document reads, urging coordination on backup stocks of not just industrial materials, but also food, medicine, cable repair modules, and nuclear fuel. The Commission warns that underwater communication systems and gas pipelines remain particularly vulnerable to sabotage.

    This marks a notable policy shift in Brussels, which has historically focused on free market mechanisms to ensure supply. The war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions with Russia have exposed serious vulnerabilities in Europe’s strategic reserves. Last month, Germany’s chief of defence warned that Russia could potentially target an EU member within four years, intensifying calls for preparedness.

    The Commission is set to publish the finalized strategy next week. It follows March’s announcement of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, which encouraged citizens to stock up on essentials and urged governments to build national reserves of critical goods.

    The urgency is also driven by what the document calls “limited common understanding” among member states about what essential goods are needed to respond to major crises.

  • Adriatic Metals Reaches Commercial Production at Vareš Silver Mine in Bosnia

    Adriatic Metals Reaches Commercial Production at Vareš Silver Mine in Bosnia

    Adriatic Metals has officially achieved commercial production at its Vareš silver operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a major operational milestone for the company. The announcement follows the successful ramp-up of the processing plant, which reached sustained throughput levels of 75% over 14 days, including 80% over the last seven days, and hit 90% of nameplate capacity (2,000 tonnes per day) in late June.

    Key to unlocking production was the resolution of tailings-related challenges. Adriatic completed the construction of the Veovača tailings storage facility in March, with tailings deposition starting on April 2. A newly completed access road between the Vareš processing plant and the storage site has been operational for the past month.

    Underground development at the Rupice mine, the project’s high-grade core, is also progressing well. The company reported 900 metres of development in Q2, a new quarterly record.

    “We are proud to announce the achievement of commercial production at the Vareš silver operation, marking a significant milestone that demonstrates our ability to operate at production levels that support strong cash generation,” said Adriatic CEO Laura Tyler. She credited the company’s team and management for their dedication in bringing the project across the finish line.

    All critical permits, equipment, and personnel are now in place, ensuring the operation is positioned for continued success and consistent output.

  • China Says Rare Earths “Not a Problem” for Europe Amid Export Licensing Concerns

    China Says Rare Earths “Not a Problem” for Europe Amid Export Licensing Concerns

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi attempted to calm European fears over rare earth export restrictions during a visit to Berlin on Thursday, insisting that “rare earths have not been, are not, and will not be a problem” between China and Europe. His remarks come amid growing anxiety in the EU over Beijing’s tightening grip on critical mineral exports.

    Speaking alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Wang emphasized that China’s new licensing regime, which began in April, is standard practice for controlling dual-use goods, not an attempt to disrupt supply. “If legal applications are submitted, Europe’s and Germany’s normal needs can be met,” he said.

    The comments were made during Wang’s European tour, which is aimed at laying the groundwork for the upcoming EU-China summit later this month. The Chinese diplomat had previously met EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels, who also pressed for an end to export curbs.

    Germany, one of the EU’s leading industrial powers and heavily reliant on critical materials, expressed unease over the export rules. “The restrictions are causing great concern and damaging China’s image as a reliable trade partner,” Wadephul said, though he noted efforts were underway to find “sustainable joint solutions” and ease tensions.

    Beijing controls over 90% of global rare earth processing capacity, making its policy decisions critical to industries ranging from electric vehicles to consumer electronics. In April, China imposed a requirement for exporters to obtain special licenses — a move seen by many as retaliation for escalating trade pressures, particularly with the United States.

    When asked if a deal on the export restrictions could be reached before the EU-China summit, Wang reiterated that the issue should not be viewed as a bilateral dispute. He also pointed to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s fast-track procedure to expedite applications and ease concerns.

    Beyond rare earths, the two ministers also discussed global flashpoints, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions over Taiwan, and the Middle East crisis. Wadephul added, “We believe China can play a constructive role in relation to Iran.”

  • Russian Forces Seize Major Ukrainian Lithium Deposit in Donetsk, Boosting Strategic Leverage

    Russian Forces Seize Major Ukrainian Lithium Deposit in Donetsk, Boosting Strategic Leverage

    Russian troops have taken control of one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits, located near the village of Shevchenko in Ukraine’s contested Donetsk region. The site, prized for its strategic importance and lithium reserves essential to aerospace and electric vehicle production, marks a significant gain for Russia—both economically and geopolitically.

    The capture further tightens Moscow’s grip on the Donbas, an area increasingly seen as destined to fall under long-term Russian control. With lithium classified as a critical material for clean energy and military technologies, the move effectively strips Ukraine of a major economic asset and boosts Russia’s leverage over global supply chains.

    Experts say this development also undercuts Ukraine’s long-term recovery prospects. The Washington Post recently noted that any “positive impact on the economy” for Ukraine in 2025 is now off the table, with delays in a ceasefire and fading Western support fueling growing economic uncertainty.

    The lithium site was reportedly one of several resource-rich areas considered vital by Kyiv and its Western backers. Washington had shown keen interest in Ukraine’s mineral wealth as part of its broader aid and investment strategy. According to former U.S. intelligence official Rod Schoonover, control of such deposits “undoubtedly” ranks among Russia’s core motivations in the region.

    The seizure of the lithium reserves comes as Ukraine reels from devastating losses in the April offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. Russian forces, reportedly bolstered by North Korean support, have since redirected attention to the Donbas frontlines—making steady gains amid mounting Ukrainian attrition.

    This signals a likely strategic shift by Moscow, which may now prioritize capturing other key natural resource sites in eastern and southern Ukraine. With economic and military support from the West showing signs of strain, Ukraine’s ability to resist such advances could be further tested in the months ahead.

  • EU Greenlights Subsidies for Energy-Intensive Industries in Major Policy Shift

    EU Greenlights Subsidies for Energy-Intensive Industries in Major Policy Shift

    In a landmark departure from long-standing EU policy, Brussels will now allow member states to subsidize the operating costs of energy-intensive industries in an effort to prevent the exodus of key sectors to countries with cheaper power.

    The newly approved measure permits governments to offer discounts of up to 50% on half of a company’s electricity usage, effectively covering up to 25% of their total power bills, as long as costs don’t fall below €50 per megawatt-hour. The policy, which breaks from traditional EU restrictions on state aid, will remain in effect until 2030.

    “If Europe wants to lead in clean tech, we must act with courage and clarity,” said EU competition chief Teresa Ribera. She called the move essential to keeping European energy systems “stable, affordable, and fair” without distorting the bloc’s single market.

    Historically, the EU treaties prohibited state aid to avoid giving domestic firms unfair advantages. While capital investments were occasionally supported, operational subsidies were typically off-limits—until now.

    Joachim Schmitz-Brieber of think tank EPICO noted the scale of the change: “This was only conceivable in absolutely exceptional cases. Now it’s policy.” The shift reflects serious concerns about industrial relocation, particularly as European firms struggle to compete with Chinese and U.S. companies enjoying lower energy costs.

    Industries eligible for the subsidies include steel, aluminum, and coal operations, which face mounting pressure from foreign competitors. The measure is expected to be most welcomed by Germany and France, which have long lobbied for relaxed state aid rules to help struggling industries.

    However, smaller EU countries have voiced concern that such subsidies could create market imbalances by favoring richer member states with deeper pockets.

  • Euro Sun Secures $200M Loan with Trafigura Backing to Advance Romanian Copper-Gold Project

    Euro Sun Secures $200M Loan with Trafigura Backing to Advance Romanian Copper-Gold Project

    Euro Sun Mining (TSXV: ESM) has secured a $200 million loan package to help fund its Rovina Valley gold-copper project in Romania, marking a major milestone for one of Europe’s largest undeveloped critical mineral assets. The financing—arranged with international banks and supported by global commodities trader Trafigura—aims to push forward feasibility, permitting, and pre-development work.

    The loan includes a binding offtake agreement for up to all commercial production over seven to nine years and will be disbursed in two stages: an initial $50 million upon signing final documentation, and the remaining $150 million following completion of a definitive feasibility study. The project’s total build cost is estimated at $448 million, based on a 2022 feasibility study.

    Rovina Valley is listed among the European Union’s 47 strategic projects aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals. Located in Hunedoara County, the mine is projected to operate for 27 years, producing an average of 116,000 oz of gold and 49 million lb of copper annually in its first decade.

    Despite long-standing opposition from environmental groups, Euro Sun says it is advancing environmental impact assessment submissions and plans close engagement with Romanian officials. The company also notes the project holds a mining licence and is the first non-state-owned deposit in Romania to do so.

    The support from Trafigura reinforces its strategy of investing upstream to lock in access to vital metals like copper, cobalt, and nickel amid global energy transition pressures.

  • Greenland Approves 30-Year Molybdenum Mining Project to Supply 25% of EU Demand

    Greenland Approves 30-Year Molybdenum Mining Project to Supply 25% of EU Demand

    Greenland has granted a 30-year permit to Toronto-listed Greenland Resources for the development of the Malmbjerg molybdenum mine, marking a major step forward for EU-backed efforts to secure critical raw materials. The project, located in eastern Greenland, is expected to produce an average of 32.8 million pounds of concentrated molybdenum annually—enough to meet around a quarter of Europe’s demand for the metal.

    Molybdenum is used in aerospace, clean energy, and defense due to its strength and resistance to heat and corrosion. With China controlling around 40% of global molybdenum production and recently tightening export controls in response to U.S. tariffs, the project carries geopolitical significance.

    The Malmbjerg mine is backed by the European Raw Materials Alliance and has already secured supply agreements with major European firms, including Finland’s Outokumpu and Italy’s Cogne Acciai Speciali.

    Greenland’s mining sector is seeing increased momentum. Just last month, the country issued another exploitation licence to a Danish-French consortium, and the EU included a graphite project in Greenland among 13 new strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering mineral supply.

    Though development in Greenland has historically been slowed by regulatory hurdles and limited financing, interest from both the U.S. and EU is accelerating. The U.S. Export-Import Bank recently confirmed that a Greenland-based rare earth mine met the initial criteria for a $120 million loan.

  • Turkey’s Onur Group to Begin Mining Major Ukrainian Mineral Deposits in 2026

    Turkey’s Onur Group to Begin Mining Major Ukrainian Mineral Deposits in 2026

    Ukraine has granted Turkish conglomerate Onur Group five special permits to mine some of the country’s most valuable mineral deposits, including graphite, gold, and kaolin. The mining operations, scheduled to begin in 2026, are focused on high-potential regions such as Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovograd, and Khmelnytsky.

    Among the five sites, the graphite deposit in the Khmelnytsky region stands out. The Gorodnyavskoye deposit alone holds nearly 143 million tonnes of ore with a graphite carbon content of 5.14%. Experts estimate the deposit could support extraction for over a century. The European Union has recognized its strategic value, listing it among key critical mineral projects vital for Europe’s industrial supply chains.

    However, not all prospects proved economically viable. Onur Group has pulled back from plans to develop a gold site in Dnipropetrovsk after testing revealed lower-than-expected yields of just 1.4 grams per tonne—significantly below the 4.5 grams originally projected.

    While four sites remain in early stages due to safety and logistical issues—partly owing to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict—the graphite project is moving forward. Mining at Gorodnyavskoye is expected to begin in 2026.

    The deal underscores Turkey’s growing interest in critical mineral supply chains. Rare earths and graphite are essential for high-tech manufacturing, energy storage, and defense. With global supply chain pressures intensifying, this venture positions Turkey as a key player while also highlighting Ukraine’s mineral wealth as a geopolitical asset.

  • Tungsten West’s Hemerdon Mine Gains EU Strategic Status, Eyes 2026 Restart

    Tungsten West’s Hemerdon Mine Gains EU Strategic Status, Eyes 2026 Restart

    Tungsten West has confirmed that its Hemerdon mine near Plymouth, Devon, has been officially designated a strategic project under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials strategy. The recognition is a significant milestone for the site, which hosts the world’s second-largest tungsten deposit and has the potential to meet up to 20% of global demand for the critical mineral.

    CEO Jeff Court stated that the mine is “fully permitted and shovel ready,” with production potentially restarting by the end of 2026. However, to move forward, the company still needs to raise £69 million ($93 million) in private investment.

    Originally operated by Australia’s Wolf Minerals Ltd., the mine fell into administration in 2018. Tungsten West acquired the site in 2019 and began interim operations in 2023.

    Tungsten is highly valued for its extreme heat resistance and strength, making it indispensable in the production of ammunition, aerospace components, electronics, and cutting tools. Despite its importance, the Hemerdon project has so far received no UK government support—unlike lithium and tin initiatives in Cornwall that have benefited from significant funding.

    Court highlighted the mine’s potential benefits for the UK economy, calling for more equitable government backing: “It’s great we have interest from the US and EU, but this is a UK project. Jobs, money into the economy, regional development—it’s all here.”

    A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade noted that the UK’s upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy will address production improvements and financial support for domestic projects. “We welcomed the EU’s announcement of Tungsten West as a strategic project,” they added, indicating a broader intent to strengthen global supply chains in coordination with international partners.

  • Greenland Grants 30-Year Permit to EU-Backed Malmbjerg Molybdenum Mine

    Greenland Grants 30-Year Permit to EU-Backed Malmbjerg Molybdenum Mine

    Greenland Resources (Cboe CA: MOLY) has received a 30-year exploitation licence for its Malmbjerg molybdenum project, a significant step in securing the European Union’s critical mineral supply. Backed by the EU and the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), the open-pit mine is expected to meet up to 25% of the EU’s molybdenum needs during its first decade of production.

    The Malmbjerg site will produce an average of 32.8 million pounds of molybdenum annually—an essential element for steel reinforcement and vital applications in aerospace, energy, and defence. The strategic importance of this development has only intensified as China, the global leader in molybdenum supply, tightened export controls following new U.S. tariffs.

    Greenland Resources has already signed off-take agreements with major European steelmakers, including Finland’s Outokumpu and Italy’s Cogne Acciai Speciali. The government of Greenland sees the project as a milestone in its push toward economic self-sufficiency. Minister Naaja H. Nathanielsen emphasized that Malmbjerg will bring jobs, local business opportunities, and potentially $1 billion in tax revenues over its operational lifetime.

    The project’s approval adds momentum to Greenland’s expanding mining sector. In recent weeks, the government has approved a range of new ventures, including a graphite initiative added to the EU’s list of 13 new critical raw materials projects and progress by Critical Metals Corp. on the Tanbreez rare earth mine with prospective U.S. EXIM Bank backing.

    As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Greenland is emerging as a strategic hub for raw materials vital to Western supply chains.