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#Canada–#Europe #CriticalMinerals Partnership: A Strategic Supply Chain Opportunity

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Europe’s drive to secure critical minerals creates a major opportunity for Canadian mining, processing and investment—but building a resilient supply chain will require more than good intentions.

The case for a Canada–Europe critical minerals partnership is becoming stronger. Europe needs secure supplies for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence, while Canada needs investment, infrastructure and long-term buyers to bring more mineral projects into production.

Critical minerals have moved from the margins of industrial policy to the centre of economic security.

The reason is simple: the technologies powering modern life depend on materials that are difficult to replace and often sourced from a small number of countries. Electric vehicles need lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite. Wind turbines, electronics and defence systems rely on rare earth elements and other specialized metals. Antimony—used in ammunition, flame retardants and some battery technologies—is another reminder that mineral supply is now inseparable from national security.

Europe knows it has a critical-minerals supply-chain problem. Canada knows it has an opportunity.

The European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act sets ambitious 2030 benchmarks: the bloc wants to extract 10 per cent of its annual strategic-material needs domestically, process 40 per cent and recycle 25 per cent. It also wants no more than 65 per cent of any strategic raw material at a relevant processing stage to come from a single foreign country.

Those targets acknowledge an uncomfortable reality. Europe cannot build resilient clean-energy, digital and defence industries while remaining heavily dependent on a narrow group of external suppliers. Domestic mining and recycling will help, but they will not be enough. Europe will need reliable partners—and Canada should be near the top of the list.

Why Canada is a natural critical-minerals partner for Europe

Canada’s official critical-minerals list includes 34 minerals and metals. The country already produces, or has the potential to produce, all 34. Its advantages include large geological resources, established mining expertise, access to comparatively low-carbon electricity, a deep capital market for exploration companies and long-standing relationships with European allies.

Just as important, Canada can offer something increasingly valuable: a supply chain governed by transparent rules, environmental safeguards and meaningful Indigenous participation.

That does not mean every proposed mine should proceed. Nor does it mean responsible development is quick or easy. It means Canada has the ingredients to become a preferred supplier at a moment when buyers are placing a premium on security, traceability and shared standards.

Yet ore in the ground is not the same as metal in a factory.

Why financing is the critical-minerals bottleneck

The source article used the Trojarova antimony project in Slovakia—owned by Canada-based Military Metals—as a case study in Europe’s struggle to translate strategic concern into commercial action. The broader lesson travels well beyond one project: miners need credible customers, lenders need predictable returns and governments need to connect policy goals with investable projects.

Critical-mineral projects face a structural challenge. They can require large upfront investments, long permitting timelines and specialized processing facilities. Prices may also be shaped by dominant producers capable of flooding the market or undercutting new entrants. A project that looks vital on a government strategy document may still fail a conventional financing test.

That is where long-term offtake agreements, loan guarantees, price-support mechanisms and coordinated public-private investment can matter. An offtake contract gives a miner confidence that someone will buy future production. For buyers, it can secure supply before a shortage emerges. For lenders, it can turn a promising deposit into a financeable business.

Europe does not merely need access to Canadian critical minerals. It needs durable commercial arrangements with Canadian producers. Canada, in turn, needs to build more midstream capacity—processing, refining and recycling—so that it exports higher-value products rather than relying mainly on raw-material shipments.

How Canada and Europe can build a secure minerals supply chain

A serious Canada–Europe minerals partnership would focus on execution:

– Match European manufacturers and defence buyers with Canadian projects early enough to shape production and financing.
– Use long-term purchasing commitments to reduce price and demand risk.
– Invest jointly in processing and refining capacity, not only new mines.
– Coordinate strategic stockpiles and recycling systems where they improve resilience.
– Accelerate decisions without weakening environmental review or consultation.
– Make Indigenous nations equity partners and long-term beneficiaries where projects affect their lands and communities.

This last point is essential. Canada’s competitive advantage cannot rest only on being different from less transparent suppliers. It must demonstrate a better development model—one in which affected Indigenous communities have influence, ownership opportunities and a fair share of the economic benefits.

Why Canada must act before the investment window closes

Canada is not the only mineral-rich democracy seeking European capital and customers. Australia, the United States and others are building their own partnerships, subsidies and processing capacity. Meanwhile, Europe’s industrial buyers will choose suppliers that can offer reliable volumes, competitive pricing and credible delivery schedules.

The opportunity is therefore urgent but conditional.

Europe needs diversified sources of the materials behind its cars, power systems, electronics and defence equipment. Canada needs investment, infrastructure and committed buyers to move more projects from discovery to production. Their interests align—but alignment alone does not build a mine, finance a refinery or secure a supply chain.

The countries that succeed in the critical-minerals race will be those that connect geology to processing, policy to purchasing and public ambition to commercial contracts. Canada and Europe have the resources, institutions and shared interests to do exactly that. A Canada–Europe critical minerals partnership could reduce supply-chain risk on both sides of the Atlantic—but only if strategic language becomes investment, infrastructure and binding deals.

Frequently asked questions

Why are critical minerals important to Europe?

Critical minerals are essential to electric vehicles, renewable-energy systems, electronics, advanced manufacturing and defence equipment. Europe relies heavily on imports for many of these materials, making diversified supply chains an economic and security priority.

Which Canadian critical minerals are most important?

Canada’s list contains 34 critical minerals. Six have been identified as offering particularly strong economic potential: lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements. Antimony, uranium, potash and other materials also have strategic uses.

What is the European Critical Raw Materials Act?

The European Critical Raw Materials Act establishes 2030 targets for domestic extraction, processing and recycling. It also aims to prevent the EU from sourcing more than 65 per cent of any strategic raw material at a relevant processing stage from one foreign country.

How could Canada supply more critical minerals to Europe?

Canada and Europe could combine long-term purchasing agreements with joint investment in mines, processing plants, refining, recycling and transportation infrastructure. Loan guarantees and other financing tools could help promising projects reach commercial production.

What could delay a Canada–Europe minerals partnership?

Major obstacles include volatile commodity prices, long development timelines, uncertain financing, limited processing capacity and regulatory risk. Projects must also earn community support and establish meaningful, long-term partnerships with affected Indigenous nations.

#China’s #RareEarth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Manufacturing

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Rare earth elements have become one of the world’s most strategically important resources. They power everything from electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines to smartphones, semiconductors, medical equipment, and advanced defense systems.

According to a recent International Energy Agency (IEA) assessment reported by Reuters, China’s export restrictions on certain rare earth materials could expose approximately $6.5 trillion worth of annual Western manufacturing output to supply chain disruptions.

While the headline sounds alarming, understanding what it really means—and how governments and industries are responding—provides valuable insight into the future of global manufacturing and clean energy.

What Are Rare Earth Elements?

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements essential for modern technology.

Despite their name, these elements are relatively common in the Earth’s crust. The challenge lies in extracting, refining, and processing them economically while meeting stringent environmental standards.

Some of their most important applications include:

  • Electric vehicle motors
  • Wind turbine generators
  • Artificial intelligence hardware
  • Data centers
  • Smartphones and consumer electronics
  • Aerospace systems
  • Military equipment
  • Medical imaging devices
  • Industrial robotics

Without these materials, many of today’s fastest-growing industries would struggle to operate.

Why China Dominates the Rare Earth Market

China’s leadership extends well beyond mining.

Over several decades, the country has invested heavily in:

  • Rare earth mining
  • Chemical refining
  • Magnet manufacturing
  • Integrated supply chains
  • Advanced materials processing

Today, China controls a substantial share of the world’s rare earth processing capacity, making it the primary supplier of high-performance permanent magnets used in advanced manufacturing.

This dominance has created significant dependence among manufacturers across North America, Europe, Japan, and other developed economies.

What Does the “$6.5 Trillion at Risk” Actually Mean?

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the Reuters report is the $6.5 trillion figure.

It does not mean Western economies will suddenly lose $6.5 trillion.

Instead, it represents the estimated annual value of manufacturing industries outside China that rely directly or indirectly on rare earth materials. If supply disruptions become prolonged, businesses could face:

  • Production delays
  • Rising manufacturing costs
  • Component shortages
  • Longer delivery times
  • Reduced industrial output
  • Increased prices for consumers

The figure highlights the economic importance of maintaining reliable access to critical minerals—not a forecast of immediate financial losses.

Industries Most at Risk

Electric Vehicles

Modern EV motors rely heavily on high-strength permanent magnets made with rare earth elements such as neodymium and dysprosium.

Supply shortages could slow vehicle production and increase manufacturing costs.

Renewable Energy

Wind turbines require powerful permanent magnets to maximize efficiency.

Any disruption in rare earth supplies could delay renewable energy projects worldwide.

Consumer Electronics

Smartphones, laptops, hard drives, speakers, and wearable technology all depend on rare earth materials.

Supply interruptions may affect production schedules and pricing.

Aerospace and Defense

Military aircraft, missile guidance systems, satellites, radar systems, and naval equipment rely extensively on rare earth technologies.

For many governments, securing access to these materials has become a national security priority.

Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure

Although AI itself does not consume rare earth elements, the hardware supporting AI—including data centers, robotics, advanced sensors, and specialized electronics—depends on reliable supplies of critical minerals.

How Governments Are Responding

Recognizing the strategic importance of rare earths, governments around the world are investing billions to diversify supply chains.

Current initiatives include:

  • Opening new mining projects
  • Expanding domestic processing facilities
  • Investing in rare earth recycling technologies
  • Building strategic mineral reserves
  • Partnering with trusted allies
  • Funding research into alternative materials

Countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and members of the European Union are accelerating these efforts.

However, developing an entirely new supply chain requires years of investment, permitting, construction, and workforce development.

The Future of Rare Earth Supply Chains

The IEA believes China’s market share is likely to decline gradually as new projects become operational around the world.

Diversification will not happen overnight, but momentum is clearly building.

Several trends are expected over the next decade:

  • Increased investment in domestic refining
  • Growth of rare earth recycling industries
  • New strategic partnerships among allied nations
  • Expanded exploration of critical mineral deposits
  • Greater emphasis on supply chain resilience

Rather than replacing China entirely, many countries aim to reduce dependence on any single supplier.

Why This Matters for Investors and Businesses

Companies across manufacturing, automotive, clean energy, aerospace, and technology sectors are paying closer attention to supply chain resilience than ever before.

Businesses that proactively diversify suppliers, secure long-term contracts, and invest in sustainable sourcing strategies will likely be better positioned to navigate future disruptions.

For investors, critical minerals represent a growing strategic sector driven by electrification, renewable energy expansion, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rare earth elements actually rare?

No. Most rare earth elements are relatively abundant. The challenge lies in economically extracting and refining them.

Why is China so important?

China dominates the processing and manufacturing stages of the supply chain, not just mining. This makes it the world’s largest supplier of refined rare earth products.

Will rare earth shortages stop EV production?

Not necessarily. However, prolonged supply disruptions could increase production costs, delay manufacturing, and encourage companies to diversify suppliers.

Is the $6.5 trillion figure an economic loss?

No. It represents the estimated annual value of manufacturing industries exposed to supply chain disruptions, not projected financial losses.

Final Thoughts

The latest warning from the International Energy Agency highlights a broader shift in global economic priorities. Critical minerals have become foundational to modern technology, clean energy, and national security.

China’s export restrictions demonstrate how concentrated supply chains can create vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. At the same time, they are accelerating efforts to diversify production, expand domestic processing, and strengthen international partnerships.

The coming decade will likely be defined not only by advances in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence, but also by the race to secure the critical materials that make those technologies possible.

For businesses, investors, and policymakers alike, understanding the strategic importance of rare earth elements is no longer optional—it is essential to navigating the future of the global economy.

#Sweden Approves 25-Year Mining Lease for #Europe’s Strategic Heavy #RareEarthMinerals Project

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A futuristic electric car charging at a station in a green landscape with wind turbines and solar panels in the background. Below the surface, glowing minerals representing Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium are displayed, indicating strategic resources for a sustainable future.

Sweden has taken a major step toward strengthening Europe’s critical minerals supply chain by granting Leading Edge Materials a 25-year mining lease for the Norra Kärr rare earth project. The decision marks the revival of one of Europe’s most strategically important heavy rare earth deposits after years of environmental review and project redesign.

A Second Chance for Norra Kärr

The Norra Kärr project, located in southern Sweden, was originally granted a mining concession in 2013. However, the permit was revoked in 2016 following environmental concerns raised during the permitting process.

Since then, Leading Edge Materials has substantially redesigned the project, reducing its footprint by approximately 65% while addressing environmental and community concerns. These efforts have now resulted in the Swedish government’s approval of a new 25-year mining lease.

Why Norra Kärr Matters

Unlike many rare earth projects that primarily produce light rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium, Norra Kärr contains an unusually high proportion of heavy rare earth elements, particularly dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb).

These elements are essential for manufacturing high-performance permanent magnets used in:

  • Electric vehicles
  • Wind turbines
  • Robotics
  • Defense systems
  • Aerospace applications
  • Advanced electronics

Europe currently produces virtually no heavy rare earth elements, making the region highly dependent on imported materials. Developing Norra Kärr would significantly improve Europe’s supply security for these critical minerals.

An Exceptional Heavy Rare Earth Deposit

According to the project’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), Norra Kärr contains an inferred resource of approximately 110 million tonnes grading 0.5% total rare earth oxides (TREO).

The study outlines:

  • A 26-year mine life
  • Average annual production of approximately 5,340 tonnes of mixed rare earth oxides
  • Post-tax NPV of US$762 million
  • Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 26%

Importantly, these economics were based on significantly lower rare earth prices than those seen in today’s market.

One of the project’s strongest competitive advantages is its heavy rare earth content. For every kilogram of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) produced, Norra Kärr is expected to generate approximately 0.4 kg of dysprosium and terbium (DyTb)—a ratio far superior to most comparable rare earth deposits worldwide.

A Strategic Asset for Europe

The project joins a growing list of strategic rare earth developments in the Nordic region and Greenland, including Tanbreez and Kvanefjeld. Together, these projects have the potential to establish a secure European supply of critical rare earth materials outside China.

However, mining is only one part of the supply chain.

Rare earth concentrates must still undergo complex hydrometallurgical processing and solvent extraction to produce separated rare earth oxides suitable for magnet manufacturing. This creates opportunities for engineering companies, technology providers, and downstream processors as Europe builds a fully integrated rare earth value chain.

What’s Next?

With the mining lease secured, Leading Edge Materials plans to:

  • Update the project’s prefeasibility study (PFS)
  • Continue environmental permitting
  • Secure financing
  • Negotiate offtake agreements
  • Advance the project toward commercial production

Final Thoughts

The approval of the Norra Kärr mining lease represents more than the revival of a mining project—it signals Europe’s commitment to developing a secure, domestic supply of critical minerals.

As demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced technologies continues to grow, projects like Norra Kärr will become increasingly important in reducing supply chain dependence and supporting the continent’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

For the rare earth industry, this is another significant milestone in the emergence of a Western heavy rare earth supply chain.

Source: The Northern Miner

#Congo’s #Cobalt Power Play: How #Kinshasa Is Reshaping the Global #CriticalMinerals Landscape

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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is no longer content with being merely the world’s largest cobalt supplier. Through a combination of export controls, strategic partnerships, and geopolitical repositioning, Kinshasa is transforming its role from resource provider to market maker.

The implications extend far beyond commodity markets. Congo’s evolving cobalt strategy is influencing global supply chains, altering China’s dominance in critical minerals, and creating new opportunities for Western investors seeking secure access to strategic resources.

From Price Taker to Price Setter

For years, Congo’s vast cobalt reserves fueled global battery production while the country remained vulnerable to commodity price cycles and foreign influence. That dynamic is changing.

Since imposing cobalt export restrictions in early 2025, Congo has steadily tightened control over the flow of the metal. A complete export ban eventually gave way to a quota system, but the impact on global supply has been profound.

China, historically the dominant buyer of Congolese cobalt, has seen imports collapse. Customs data show that Chinese imports of Congolese cobalt intermediates during the first four months of 2026 were only a fraction of the volumes recorded during the same period a year earlier.

The result has been a dramatic tightening of supply. Cobalt prices have more than doubled from pre-restriction levels, while unusual pricing patterns have emerged throughout the supply chain. Cobalt hydroxide—the primary form exported from Congo—has at times traded at prices equal to or even above refined cobalt metal, highlighting growing concerns about access to raw material.

What initially appeared to be a temporary supply disruption increasingly looks like a structural shift. Market participants are beginning to attach a premium to cobalt sourced from Congo, reflecting both scarcity and strategic importance.

Reducing Dependence on China

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Congo’s strategy is its attempt to diversify away from overwhelming dependence on Chinese operators.

China has spent decades building a dominant position in Congolese mining and refining. Chinese companies control many of the country’s largest cobalt and copper assets, while Chinese refiners process much of the world’s cobalt supply.

Now, however, Kinshasa appears determined to rebalance those relationships.

Recent developments suggest growing momentum behind Western investment initiatives. U.S.-based critical minerals platform Virtus Minerals recently acquired the copper and cobalt assets of Chemaf, positioning itself to revive operations that have faced years of uncertainty.

At the same time, Congo’s state-backed Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) has entered into agreements with commodity trader Trafigura and U.S. startup EVelution to support a proposed cobalt refinery in Arizona. Such projects could create direct links between Congolese mines and American manufacturing, reducing reliance on Chinese processing capacity.

These developments align closely with broader U.S. efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains amid intensifying competition with China.

Infrastructure Creates New Options

Infrastructure is playing a crucial role in Congo’s westward pivot.

The Lobito Atlantic Railway, backed by Western governments and investors, is emerging as a strategic alternative export route. Connecting the Congolese copper belt to Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito, the corridor provides access to global markets without relying exclusively on transport networks historically aligned with Chinese interests.

The railway has become a symbol of a larger geopolitical contest over critical minerals. Control over extraction matters, but so does control over logistics, processing, and market access.

For Western investors, the corridor offers a practical pathway for moving minerals to Europe and North America. For Congo, it provides leverage and flexibility.

Solving the Artisanal Mining Challenge

Despite these opportunities, one major obstacle remains: artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

Artisanal miners produce a significant share of Congo’s cobalt, but the sector has long been associated with unsafe working conditions, child labor concerns, and informal trading networks. These issues have discouraged many Western buyers from sourcing Congolese cobalt directly.

The government understands that expanding access to Western markets requires stronger assurances around responsible sourcing.

To address this challenge, EGC has partnered with commodity trader Mercuria to establish what is being described as a “gold standard” framework for ethical artisanal cobalt production at the Kasulo mining site.

Success is far from guaranteed. Previous efforts to formalize the artisanal mining sector have delivered mixed results. However, creating a transparent and verifiable supply chain is essential if Congo hopes to attract Western customers seeking ethically sourced critical minerals.

The stakes are high. Without credible solutions, concerns over “blood cobalt” could continue limiting market access regardless of supply shortages.

Growing Leverage in a Tightening Market

Congo’s position is being strengthened by supply disruptions elsewhere.

Several competing sources of cobalt face challenges. Canadian producer Sherritt International’s refining operations have come under pressure from U.S. sanctions affecting its Cuban partnerships. Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel-cobalt project suffered cyclone-related disruptions and is undergoing ownership changes. Meanwhile, Indonesian producers are grappling with tighter mining quotas and processing constraints.

These developments further increase Congo’s influence over a market where it already accounts for more than 70% of global mine production.

In other words, there are few realistic alternatives.

A New Strategic Role

The broader story is not simply about higher cobalt prices. It is about a country leveraging its resource dominance to reshape its geopolitical position.

By restricting exports, encouraging Western investment, developing alternative infrastructure, and attempting to formalize artisanal production, Congo is seeking greater control over both its resources and its future.

Whether the strategy succeeds remains uncertain. Balancing relationships with China while attracting Western capital will require careful diplomacy. Reforming the artisanal mining sector will be difficult. And sustaining investor confidence will depend on political stability and regulatory consistency.

Yet one thing is increasingly clear: Congo is no longer just supplying the global cobalt market. It is actively redefining it.

As demand for batteries, electric vehicles, defense technologies, and advanced electronics continues to grow, Congo’s decisions will have an outsized influence on the future of critical minerals. The country is emerging not merely as a producer of cobalt, but as one of the most important strategic players in the global race for resources.

This version is designed for a business, commodities, mining, or geopolitical affairs audience and is fully original rather than a rewrite of the Reuters text.

#US #CriticalMinerals talks advance with #EU, #Japan on price floor

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A display of critical metals featuring a metal ingot labeled 'CRITICAL METALS', two batteries, and assorted rocks, with the flags of the United States, European Union, and Japan in the background alongside the Statue of Liberty and Tokyo Tower.

The US, Japan and the European Union are set to announce plans in the coming weeks to lay the foundation for a trade agreement in critical minerals, according to people familiar with the preparations.

The Office of the US Trade Representative, which has led negotiations with Brussels and Tokyo on the framework, will also head talks for a trade deal that is set to include a price floor and tariffs for the materials to counter any market distortions by China, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Global efforts to diversify critical minerals supply chains intensified after Beijing last year imposed sweeping export controls, including on rare earths and critical minerals, in response to President Donald Trump’s so-called Liberation Day tariffs, which set a 10% levy on nearly all American imports.

Beijing has threatened it would retaliate against the formation of a bloc that would target its exports.

The supply crunch has eased somewhat since its worst point last summer and fall, but companies still complain that they don’t receive the quantities they need and have ordered from Chinese suppliers.

Read more at: https://www.mining.com/web/us-advance-critical-minerals-talks-with-eu-japan-on-price-floor/

#Trump eyes #Pentagon #AI program for trade block’s #CriticalMinerals pricing

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Control room at The Pentagon analyzing critical minerals pricing and trends with AI, featuring charts on lithium and rare earth element prices, alongside displays of global supply and top producers.

The Trump administration plans to use a Pentagon-created artificial intelligence program to help set reference prices for critical minerals as it works to build a global metals trading zone, three sources with direct knowledge of the effort told Reuters.

Vice President JD Vance earlier this month proposed that the U.S. and more than 50 other countries impose “reference prices for critical minerals at each stage of production” that would be backed by “adjustable tariffs to uphold pricing integrity.”

Those reference prices will be set by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Open Price Exploration for National Security (OPEN) AI metals program, according to the sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly.

The move sheds light on how the administration aims to shape market pricing, even as the AI technology has faced skepticism for whether it can retool how critical minerals are bought and sold.

The OPEN program was launched in 2023 by the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) with the goal of calculating what a metal should be priced at when labor, processing and other costs are factored in and when alleged Chinese market manipulation is factored out.

The processes currently available in North American and Europe to refine light and heavy rare earth elements do not meet the economic and environmental standard.

March 24, 2025

Why #Greenland? not #Mountainpass, #California for #RareEarth elements?

Prior to going into mining in unexplored part of the world:

1. We need immediate research and development to improve the existing technologies.

2. Build refineries in the existing mines with infrastructure using developed technologies.

3. Take the price control of the Rare Earth Elements by tariffs or other means until the local refineries optimize the refining processes and operating cost.

We do not want to send the concentrate to another country to do final refining.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-eyes-pentagon-ai-program-trade-blocks-minerals-pricing-sources-say-2026-02-24/

#US Agencies Have Developed #CriticalMinerals Price Floor System

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An image representing critical minerals with an upward growth graph, rocks, and battery cans, featuring flags of the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU in the background.

The US has developed a critical minerals price floor system that it’s pitching to allies as the Trump administration and more than 50 countries look to reduce dependence on China for the resources that are deemed critical to national security.

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said multiple US agencies have developed the system and are having conversations with allies and partners. It’s the latest update to progress being made by the US and its allies to ringfence Western companies from China’s pressure on those markets.

Read more at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/us-agencies-have-developed-critical-minerals-price-floor-system

#China likely to beat #Europe, #US in meeting battery metals demand through recycling – study

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China is the most likely candidate to first meet its entire demand for the three most important raw materials for batteries – lithium, cobalt and nickel – through recycling, new research has found.

According to a study by a team at the University of Münster, the race to achieve a complete circular economy for key battery metals will see Europe arriving in second and the US in third place.

In detail, the results show that China is expected to be able to employ recycling to meet its own demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles from 2059 onwards; in Europe and the US, this will not happen until after 2070. 

When it comes to cobalt, recycling is expected to ensure that China will be able to meet its needs after 2045, at the earliest; in Europe, this will happen in 2052 and in the US not until 2056.

Finally, for nickel, China can probably meet demand through recycling in 2046 at the earliest, with Europe following in 2058 and the US from 2064 onwards, according to the report.

Read more at: https://www.mining.com/china-likely-to-beat-europe-us-in-meeting-battery-metals-demand-through-recycling-study/

#Norway lawmakers back deep-sea mining in Arctic Ocean

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Norway has secured a parliamentary majority to go ahead with plans to open the Arctic Ocean to seabed mineral exploration, despite environmental groups and the fishing industry’s warnings that the move would risk the biodiversity of vulnerable ecosystems.

The country’s minority centre-left government and two large opposition parties backed on Tuesday a government’s proposal announced in June to position the country as a frontrunner in commercial-scale deep-sea mining.

The move by the European country, where vast oil and gas reserves have made it one of the world’s wealthiest nations, has as goal to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.

Read more at: https://www.mining.com/norway-lawmakers-back-deep-sea-mining-in-arctic-ocean/