World Mining Congress (WMC)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025! Dear World Mining Congress International Organizing Committee Members and all Mining Supporters! We want to thank all of you for your effective cooperation in the past year. Please accept our sincerest greetings for Christmas and the forthcoming New Year 2025!

Volkswagen Group invests $48M for a 9.9% stake in Patriot Volkswagen Group’s has announced that it has partnered with Patriot Battery Metals in a landmark deal. This is PowerCo’s first direct investment in the lithium supply chain, marking a key step in their vertical integration strategy from mine to battery. Volkswagen invests $48M for a 9.9% stake in Patriot. A binding offtake deal for 100,000 tonnes/year of spodumene concentrate for 10 years, ensuring supply for PowerCo’s gigafactory in St. Thomas, Canada. The deal focuses on developing Patriot’s Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Project, one of the largest in the Americas. Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology, said: “This investment represents a milestone in our journey toward a fully electric future. By collaborating with Patriot Battery Metals, we are not only securing key raw materials for cutting-edge, sustainable battery technology but also reinforcing our commitment to North America. Together with partners, we are building a dedicated e-mobility ecosystem in North America, ranging from battery technology to software and specific vehicle architectures.” The collaboration will be on best practices for environmental, social, and governance standards. Moreover, this partnership solidifies a resilient, sustainable EV battery supply chain for North America and Europe, aligning with PowerCo’s mission to lead in global battery production. Jörg Teichmann, Chief Procurement Officer of PowerCo, said: “This is the next step in PowerCo’s mission to become a global battery player with roots in Europe and North America. By building a North American supply chain for EV batteries together with partners, we are strengthening our footprint in the region and driving forward the development of a resilient, sustainable battery industry. We are very pleased to have found such a partner in Patriot Battery Metals and to support the team in becoming one of the global lithium leaders and key supplier of lithium raw materials to the emerging North American and European EV ecosystem.“ Ken Brinsden, CEO & Managing Director of Patriot Battery Metals, said: “The partnership with PowerCo and the investment of Volkswagen Group is a great testament to the performance and quality of our team. At the same time, it emphasises the world-class status of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Project and the excellent prospects for Patriot Battery Metals' future role in the promising global EV supply chain.” #mining, #miningindustry, #lithium, #supplychain, #patriotbatterymetals, , #volkswagen

Rio Tinto explores the extraction of gallium Rio Tinto has announced that as part of its innovative R&D initiative, it is exploring the extraction of gallium, a critical mineral essential for technologies like integrated circuits, high-performance radar, smartphones, and electric vehicles. A demonstration plant is planned for Saguenay, capable of producing 3.5 tonnes of gallium annually, with potential scaling to 40 tonnes per year, representing up to 10% of global production. The Gouvernement du Québec – Carrières has pledged up to C$7 million for the project’s demonstration phase. This project strengthens the North American supply chain for critical minerals while aligning with a greener, circular economy vision. Jérôme Pécresse CEO of Rio Tinto Aluminium has stated: “This project supports a stronger North American supply chain for critical minerals. We thank the Government of Quebec for their support as we advance this important journey.” This initiative is crucial due to the fact that gallium plays a pivotal role in the tech-driven economy. This initiative not only boosts Quebec’s leadership in critical minerals but also demonstrates Canada’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. Alongside this, Rio Tinto continues to innovate with critical minerals such as scandium, tellurium, and molybdenum, emphasizing a future-focused approach to materials science. #mining, #miningindustry, #riotinto, #innovation, #gallium

Rio Tinto is going to invest in the Rincon lithium project Rio Tinto has announced its approval of a $2.5 billion investment to expand the Rincon project, the first large-scale lithium operation in Argentina. This marks a significant step forward in building a world-class battery materials portfolio, aligning with the global energy transition. The annual capacity of Rincon is estimated at 60,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate. It will utilize cutting-edge Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, minimizing water use and waste. Moreover, the project should boost the local economy which should result in significant job creation and local business opportunities. The expansion should start in mid-2025, with production beginning in 2028. Jakob Stausholm, Rio Tinto's CEO, stated "This investment reflects our commitment to a sustainable future. Leveraging Argentina's resources and skilled workforce, we're positioning Rio Tinto as a global leader in lithium production, while maintaining the highest ESG standards." Located in Argentina's lithium triangle, Rincon is poised to support the country's ambitions to be a world-leading lithium producer, underpinned by supportive policies and investor protections. #mining, #miningindustry, #lithium, #riotinto, #argentina

Boliden acquired Lundin's Neves-Corvo and Zinkgruvan operation Lundin Mining Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Neves-Corvo operation in Portugal and Zinkgruvan operation in Sweden to Boliden for a total consideration of up to $1.52 billion USD. Transaction Details: 1. Upfront Cash: $1.37 billion based on a cash-free, debt-free enterprise value of $1.3 billion (as of Aug 31, 2024). 2. Contingent Payments: Up to $150 million tied to copper and zinc prices (2025–2027). 3. Closing is anticipated in mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals. Key information: 1. Strengthens Boliden’s zinc and copper production, nearly doubling the concentrate production for both metals over time. 2. Zinc concentrate production to rise by 95%, and copper by 43% (based on 2023 figures). 3. The transaction is expected to immediately enhance Boliden’s earnings and contribute $300–350 million annually to EBITDA over the next five years. The sale can be considered as both sides win-win situation. It strengthens Lundin Mining’s balance sheet, allowing increased focus on its growing South American portfolio, as well as strengths Boliden portfolio. President & CEO Jack Lundin stated: "This marks a strategic step in our journey to become a top-tier, copper-focused mining company." On the other hand, Boliden's CEO Mikael Staffas adds: "This acquisition adds two highly cash-generative assets to our portfolio, enabling optimization of our feed mix and unlocking both short- and long-term value. We see significant opportunities for further growth, particularly through near-mine exploration in these attractive mining regions." These assets, known for their long-life operations, are expected to thrive under Boliden’s experienced management, benefiting employees and local stakeholders alike. #mining, #miningindustry, #boliden, #lundin, #suistanaible

Zijin Mining expands with the acquisition of La Arena Mine Jinteng Mining, a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group, has officially taken ownership of the La Arena open-pit copper-gold mine in Peru from Pan American Silver Corp.. Deal Highlights: 1. USD $245M cash purchase + a 1.5% life-of-mine gold royalty from La Arena II project. 2. Contingent payment of $50M once commercial production at La Arena II starts. 3. Pan American retains 60% rights to future copper concentrate from La Arena II for North American markets. La Arena is located in La Libertad province, Peru. It operates since 2011, processing 36,000 tonnes of ore daily. The annual gold production is close to 3 tonnes. The mine life was extended from 2021 to 2026, with further exploration potential. This acquisition boosts Zijin Mining's copper and gold reserves, aligning with its growth strategy. La Arena II's advanced exploration stage offers potential resource expansion, utilizing open-pit mining and flotation techniques in a region rich with mineral deposits. Following its $4.8B acquisition of Yamana Gold Inc., Pan American is optimizing its portfolio, recently selling: Mara project in Argentina to Glencore for $475M, and Morococha mine in Peru, reducing annual development and maintenance costs by $15.7M. This deal showcases Zijin's commitment to growth while Pan American focuses on core operations. A win-win for both giants in the mining industry. #mining, #miningindustry, #gold, #zijin, #panamerican, #peru

St. Barbara's Day Mining Wishes! On this special day, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all those who dedicate their lives to mining and related industries. May you always work safely, under the protection of St. Barbara, and return home to your loved ones every day. May the mining industry continue to thrive responsibly, contributing to global progress while preserving our planet for future generations. To all miners and their families, may this day bring pride in your work and the recognition you deserve. Glück auf!

Los Azules Project with an Environmental Impact Assessment approval McEwen Copper, a subsidiary of McEwen Mining Inc. announces in its press release about the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Los Azules copper project in Argentina. This crucial milestone, granted by the Ministry of Mines in San Juan Province, signifies a strong endorsement of sustainable copper mining in this pro-mining region. The EIA submission, prepared in collaboration with Knight Piesold and 22 experts, underwent rigorous scrutiny by 14 public and private institutions. The extensive public consultations and site visits ensured environmental and community considerations were central to the project. Moreover, the Los Azules is committed to carbon neutrality by 2038, with renewable energy and a low water footprint at its core. CEO Robert McEwen emphasizes the company’s dedication to regenerative mining, saying, “Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every step of this journey, and we thank all partners who made this possible.” The next project step is a definitive feasibility study which will be published in H1 2025 The potential construction start by 2026, unlocking transformative potential for San Juan Province and Argentina’s mining sector. The Los Azules Project is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper deposits. Ranked among the top 10 undeveloped copper deposits by Mining Intelligence in 2022, Los Azules is pivotal in the energy transition, offering sustainable practices like 100% renewable energy usage, minimal water consumption, and a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038. Its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in 2023 highlights strong metrics such as: $2.7 billion NPV8% (after-tax) at $3.75/lb Cu, Low production cost of $1.07/lb Cu, Short payback of 3.2 years. The project holds 10.9 billion pounds of copper (Indicated) and 26.7 billion pounds (Inferred), ensuring an initial mine life of 27-30 years. Los Azules aims to set a benchmark for sustainable and efficient mining while supporting global electrification efforts. #mining, #miningnews, #copper, #sustainable

Major Gold Discovery in China! China has unveiled gold reserves worth $82.9 billion in Hunan province, as reported by Xinhua. This groundbreaking discovery includes: 40+ gold veins found at depths over 2,000 meters. 300.2 metric tons of confirmed gold resources in the core area. A projection of 1,000+ metric tons at deeper levels (3,000 meters). As the world's largest gold producer (10% of global output in 2023), China consumed 741.732 metric tons of gold in the first three quarters of this year, relying heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. This discovery comes, with gold prices reaching all-time highs amid global geopolitical tensions. The Shanghai Futures Exchange saw gold futures surge 27.8% this year, peaking at 639.48 yuan per gram in late October. This monumental find cements China’s pivotal role in the global gold market. #mining, #miningindustry, #gold, #china

Raw Materials Week 2024 approaches We invite everyone to participate in the Raw Materials Week 2024. The Raw Materials Week is the largest policy event on raw materials, organized by the European Commission since 2016. It attracts over 1,000 participants from industry, administration, civil society, research and academia. To increase prosperity, the EU works to ensure secure, sustainable and innovative access to raw materials through domestic resources, strategic partnerships, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. We are setting the global standard for responsible sourcing and showing that in terms of raw materials, Europe means business; Europe is a powerhouse. This year Raw Materials Week 2024, will take place: 9-13 December 2024 in Brussels, to explore the dynamic future of raw materials in Europe. Distinguished speakers from raw materials and strategic sectors like batteries, digital technologies, defence and space will address critical topics during the event. Discussions will include derisking raw material projects with EU and EU countries’ funding, technology and innovation through digital and cutting-edge solutions, boosting domestic supply, enhancing circularity with rare earth permanent magnets, markets trends, and maintaining high environmental and social standards. Cooperation with strategic international partner countries will also be a key focus. This year's speaker will be: Kerstin Jorna, Koen DOENS, Hildegard Bentele, Kurt Aasly, Nader Akil, @Siyamed Al Barazi (DERA), Anastasia Arnhold (EIT RawMaterials), Kees Baldé (United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)), David Christian Bender (Heraeus Remloy), Nathalie Berger, Paolo Bondavalli, Stéphane Bourg (OFREMI - French Observatory of Mineral Resources for Industrial Sectors, BRGM), Allison Britt (Geoscience Australia), Laurel Broten, Dina Carrilho, Andrea Cipollina, Nick Cook, Jean-Denis Curt, @Daniel De Oliveira (LNEG), Rodrigo del Potro (Xcalibur Smart Mapping), Meta Dobnikar (GeoZS - Geological Survey of Slovenia), Chris Doornbos P.Geo, ICD.D (E3 Lithium), Rolf Kuby (Euromines), Bernd Schäfer (EIT RawMaterials), Mikael Staffas (Boliden AB), Julie Hollis, (EuroGeoSurveys) and many more. With over 100 influential speakers, including researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, this year’s event is set to ignite discussions on sustainability, innovation, and the future of critical raw materials. The RMW 2024 program and the full list of speakers can be found on the RMW 2024 official webpage (https://lnkd.in/eKpbq6gQ).