The Viscaria copper project is targeting annual production of 120,000 tonnes of copper concentrate, with ambitions to become Sweden’s second-largest copper producer. This latest Metso processing equipment order covers a broad scope of copper and iron ore processing needs across the project’s flowsheet, reinforcing the scale and complexity of the undertaking.

Scope of the Metso Processing Equipment Agreement

The €40 million copper mine processing solution encompasses an extensive range of technology and services. At the heart of the package is a Metso FIT crushing station equipped with a Nordberg C Series jaw crusher and a Nordberg HP Series cone crusher, designed to handle the primary and secondary stages of ore comminution.

For the concentration stage, the agreement includes a flotation circuit built around Metso’s TankCell and Concorde Cell technology. The equipment scope extends further into magnetic separation systems for iron ore processing, Larox PF and VPA filtration systems, thickener systems, slurry pumps, MHC hydrocyclone clusters, and analysers. Process engineering services from Metso are also part of the mining equipment agreement, ensuring integration across all stages of the flowsheet.

This comprehensive package underscores the breadth of Metso’s involvement in the Viscaria copper project and its role as a primary technology provider for the operation’s processing infrastructure.

Building on Earlier Mill Orders for the Viscaria Copper Mine Restart

The newly announced agreement complements a previous order for Select SAG and ball mills that was announced in January 2026. Together, these contracts position Metso as a central supplier for the copper concentrate production facility being developed at Viscaria.

With the execution phase now underway, the combined orders reflect the project’s steady progression through procurement milestones. The Viscaria Copper Mine Restart continues to advance as one of the most closely watched copper development projects in Scandinavia, driven by strong demand for copper and Sweden’s established mining infrastructure.

Gruvaktiebolaget Viscaria has not disclosed specific construction or commissioning timelines beyond confirming that the project has entered its execution phase. The copper mine processing solution delivered by Metso will play a foundational role in supporting the project’s planned throughput and concentrate output targets once operations commence.

Joint Venture to Focus on Next Generation Mining Equipment

Under the agreement, the Nornickel Belaz joint venture will develop and manufacture underground mining equipment and introduce autonomous technologies for mining operations. The companies also plan to establish a full-service repair facility supporting the production, repair and maintenance of underground mining equipment.

The partnership builds on cooperation that Nornickel and BELAZ began in 2022 to develop and mass-produce underground mining equipment. Nornickel has been involved in improving the technical specifications of the machines, conducting testing and supporting their development toward international standards.

Several machines developed through the cooperation are already undergoing testing. Six MoAZ-75851 underground mine dump trucks and a MoAZ-4076 load-haul-dump machine are being tested at Nornickel’s operations in Norilsk. BELAZ is also conducting factory tests on a 45-tonne underground dump truck, the BELAZ-75855, and a BELAZ-79550 loader with a 17.2-tonne payload capacity.

The companies are also working on mining equipment powered by alternative energy sources, including electricity and hydrogen. A battery-powered load-haul-dump machine is undergoing factory testing, while pilot industrial testing of battery-powered mine dump trucks is planned for 2027.

Other equipment under development includes underground self-propelled machinery for transporting people and freight. Nornickel and BELAZ are also examining the potential use of palladium catalysts in onboard hydrogen production systems, with the generated hydrogen intended to serve as an energy source for mining equipment.

The Nornickel Belaz joint venturere is also intended to support domestic demand for underground mining equipment in Russia and reduce reliance on imported machinery. The companies said the cooperation is expected to contribute to the development of engineering and industrial capabilities and strengthen cooperation between Russia and Belarus.

The agreement marks a further expansion of the companies’ existing equipment-development programme, while the planned joint venture and repair facility remain future developments rather than operational entities.

Boliden Agrees to Take Control of Nexa Resources

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Votorantim will receive 0.250 newly issued Boliden shares for each Nexa share it holds. That translates to approximately 21.4 million newly issued Boliden shares, which would give Votorantim an ownership stake of around 7.0% in Boliden after closing. The implied consideration for Votorantim’s shares is approximately $1.31 billion, while Nexa’s implied enterprise value stands at roughly $3.666 billion.

The Nexa Resources acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2027, subject to several conditions. These include Boliden shareholder approval, Nexa shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Until those requirements are met, Boliden does not yet control Nexa Resources.

Following the closing, Nexa would be fully consolidated in Boliden’s financial statements. Boliden has also agreed with Nexa to launch a voluntary tender offer for the remaining Nexa shares not acquired through the transaction with Votorantim. That tender offer would be initiated after the deal closes and is separate from the definitive agreement itself.

Deal Expands Zinc and Silver Mining Footprint

Boliden has stated that the Nexa Resources acquisition will strengthen its position as a zinc mining producer and add meaningfully to its silver mining business. The transaction is expected to broaden Boliden’s footprint in base metals across Latin America mining markets, complementing its existing operations in Europe.

Should the deal close as planned, Boliden would operate 12 mining units and eight smelter units spanning both Europe and Latin America. That expanded portfolio would position Boliden among the larger diversified base-metals producers globally, with zinc mining and silver mining forming the core of the combined operation.

The acquisition of Nexa Resources reflects ongoing consolidation in the metals sector, where producers are seeking scale and geographic diversification. Nexa operates mines and smelters primarily in Brazil and Peru, giving Boliden direct access to established Latin America mining assets and processing infrastructure.

For the broader mining industry, this Nexa Resources acquisition underscores continued appetite for zinc mining and silver mining assets at a time when supply-side constraints and long-term demand fundamentals remain central to base-metals strategy. The deal also highlights the role of Latin America mining as a key growth region for global producers.

Boliden has been clear that the transaction remains subject to the approvals and conditions outlined in the agreement. No operational changes or production increases have been confirmed ahead of closing. The voluntary tender offer for remaining minority shares would only proceed following completion of the primary transaction with Votorantim.

The Nexa Resources acquisition, if completed on the expected timeline, would reshape Boliden’s operational profile and extend its reach well beyond its traditional European base.

Holcim Expands Electric Mining Equipment Fleet in Poland

The three new SANY SKT105E units join two electric mining trucks already working at the Małogoszcz limestone quarry, bringing the total electric dump-truck fleet at the site to five. These battery electric mining equipment units are designed for heavy-duty haulage within the quarry, supporting Holcim’s broader effort to reduce emissions from its mining operations.

The expansion forms part of a wider agreement signed with SANY in March 2026 covering 100 electric equipment units over three years. Under that deal, Holcim also plans to deploy 20 autonomous mining trucks across its global operations over the following two years.

Małogoszcz Charging Capacity Reaches 1.6 MW

Supporting the growing electric mining equipment fleet, Holcim has completed the second stage of its charging station expansion at Małogoszcz. The upgrade added 1.2 MW to the site’s charging capacity, raising the total to 1.6 MW.

The expanded mine charging infrastructure includes three CCS2 satellites, each capable of delivering up to 400 kW. Notably, the installation also features the first MCS (megawatt charging system) satellite in Poland, with power output of up to 1,200 kW. The MCS satellite is a critical piece of infrastructure for keeping heavy-duty electric mining equipment operational across longer shifts in demanding quarry environments.

The charging setup at Małogoszcz reflects the practical requirements of running battery electric mining equipment at scale. Without adequate charging capacity, fleet uptime would be difficult to maintain in continuous quarrying operations.

Electric Fleet Expansion Extends Across Polish Mines

The Małogoszcz project is not an isolated effort. Holcim has been rolling out electric mining equipment and supporting charging infrastructure across several of its Polish operations. Electric equipment is already working at the Kujawy limestone mining operation, and the Radkowice dolomite quarry also has electric equipment and charging capacity in place.

Across all of Holcim’s plants in Poland, total installed charging capacity now stands at approximately 4.4 MW. The company expects that by the end of 2026, about 20 percent of the heavy machinery fleet operating in its Polish mines will be electric. This target has not yet been achieved but signals a clear direction for mining electrification within the company’s European operations.

Holcim’s approach in Poland demonstrates how mine charging infrastructure and fleet planning need to advance together. Expanding electric mining trucks without matching charging capacity would limit operational effectiveness, and the phased buildout at sites like Małogoszcz reflects that practical reality.

The continued deployment of electric mining equipment across Holcim’s Polish quarries positions the company among the more active operators pursuing mining decarbonisation through fleet electrification in the European cement and minerals sector.

The deal links Western Australia with Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio Estero S.p.A. (SACE), the Italian state-backed agency responsible for supporting Italian companies trading and investing abroad. Under the communiqué, businesses from both Western Australia and Italy will collaborate on critical raw materials supply chains, joint projects and commercial agreements.

WA Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli underscored the significance of the agreement, stating, “Western Australia is helping power the global energy transition through our world-leading critical minerals sector.”

Trade Volumes and European Supply Diversification

Trade between Italy and Western Australia exceeded $900 million in the most recent financial year. There is considerable scope for growth as European nations actively seek supply alternatives outside China, which currently handles more than 90 per cent of the world’s rare earths processing.

The critical minerals trade agreement was formalised when SACE chairman Guglielmo Picchi signed alongside Western Australia’s Agent General, Rebecca Tomkinson. The signing took place at Invest and Trade Western Australia’s Beyond the Pitch breakfast, an event specifically designed to connect firms from both economies.

Pastorelli noted Western Australia’s credentials as a destination for international investment, saying, “As a trusted and reliable investment destination, WA is well placed to build stronger international partnerships that support secure and resilient supply chains.”

Building on a Series of Strategic Agreements

The Italian communiqué is the latest in a series of similar agreements Western Australia has pursued to connect buyers with the state’s reserves of lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths. The critical minerals trade strategy has gathered momentum in recent months across multiple fronts.

In May, six Western Australian and Australian projects featured in an Australia–Japan declaration underpinned by A$1.67 billion in combined government funding. Separately, the federal government committed $45 million to Sicona Battery Technologies to boost battery anode production at Port Kembla in New South Wales.

These developments reflect growing international demand for secure battery materials supply chains and diversified sources of energy transition minerals. Western Australia’s position as a major producer of critical raw materials places the state at the centre of global efforts to reduce dependence on concentrated rare earths processing capacity.

Pastorelli confirmed the government’s commitment to deepening the relationship with Italy, stating, “The Government looks forward to working more closely with Italy to unlock new opportunities in critical minerals and battery industries.”

The agreement with SACE signals that critical minerals trade between Western Australia and European partners is set to expand further, as both sides look to establish resilient and commercially viable supply chains for the materials underpinning the global energy transition.

Administered by the Department for Business and Trade, the Critical Minerals Fund will distribute grants ranging from £150,000 to £3 million ($200,000 to $4 million) to projects approaching their commercial stage. The funding is designed to help de-risk technology and demonstrate commercial viability for ventures that might otherwise struggle to cross the threshold into full-scale operation. Projects receiving support are expected to reach commercialisation by March 2030.

The Critical Minerals Accelerator accounts for half of the £50 million ($67 million) committed under the broader UK Critical Minerals Programme, which was launched in June. That wider initiative is focused on reducing Britain’s dependence on overseas supply chains, strengthening economic resilience and supporting long-term industrial growth through to 2035. The programme also targets innovation, the creation of high-value employment and the attraction of private investment into the critical minerals sector.

Programme Structure and Supporting Initiatives

Beyond the Critical Minerals Fund grants, the programme includes two additional pillars. A Magnet Hub will establish a national centre dedicated to rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing, testing and skills development. A Demand Aggregation Platform, meanwhile, is intended to consolidate industry demand for critical minerals, support offtake agreements and unlock further private investment.

The accelerator specifically targets projects that can strengthen security of critical minerals supply, build domestic production capacity and advance a more circular economy. Recycling, recovery and reuse of critical minerals are central to the programme’s objectives, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable sourcing alongside primary extraction.

Companies involved in extraction, processing, recycling and advanced manufacturing are all eligible to apply through the Critical Minerals Fund. The programme encourages a broad range of approaches to building out the domestic minerals value chain, from mine-to-magnet operations to secondary recovery from waste streams.

Meeting the 2035 Domestic Supply Target

The Critical Minerals Fund forms a key component of the UK’s ambition to meet 30 per cent of its critical minerals needs from domestic sources by 2035. That target comes as global competition for critical minerals continues to intensify, with major economies seeking to secure supply chains for materials essential to energy transition technologies, defence applications and advanced manufacturing.

By channelling public funding into near-commercial projects, the government aims to bridge the gap between development-stage ventures and bankable operations capable of contributing meaningfully to national supply. The grants are structured to share risk with the private sector while maintaining clear commercialisation timelines.

Applications for the Critical Minerals Fund are now open, with successful projects expected to begin receiving support in the coming months. All funded ventures must demonstrate a credible pathway to commercialisation by the March 2030 deadline. Further details on the Magnet Hub and Demand Aggregation Platform are expected as the broader Critical Minerals Programme continues to roll out through 2026 and beyond.

The project, known as PaNaBat, will establish a long-term networking platform connecting research institutions, industry partners and technology developers from Germany and Chile. The initiative focuses on advancing sustainable battery raw materials, improving lithium extraction technologies and supporting the transition towards a circular battery economy.

The programme also seeks to diversify international supply chains for lithium and other critical minerals while encouraging technology transfer, industrial cooperation and academic collaboration between Europe and Latin America.

PaNaBat Platform Promotes Sustainable Lithium Technologies

The PaNaBat platform brings together leading organisations from both countries to develop resource-efficient extraction methods and next-generation battery recycling technologies.

Participants include Chile’s Universidad Católica del Norte through its Lithium I+D+i Center, Fraunhofer Chile and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institutes for Thin Film and Surface Technology (IST), Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and Silicate Research (ISC). Fraunhofer ISC is coordinating the project.

The collaboration comes as global demand for lithium continues to increase alongside electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. More than half of the world’s lithium reserves are located within the Lithium Triangle spanning Chile, Bolivia and Argentina.

Conventional lithium production in Chile largely relies on evaporation ponds in the Atacama Desert, a process that has attracted growing attention because of its water consumption and potential environmental impacts in sensitive ecosystems.

To address these challenges, researchers involved in the PaNaBat platform are focusing on emerging technologies such as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and closed-loop evaporation systems designed to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. The project will also integrate ecological assessments tailored to local operating conditions to support more sustainable production practices.

Industry Collaboration and Circular Economy at the Centre

A central component of the initiative is the creation of a digital networking platform designed to connect companies, universities and research organisations working across the battery materials value chain.

Pilot projects have already begun during the platform’s initial development phase, allowing participants to test collaborative models before expanding to include additional industrial and research partners.

Beyond lithium extraction, the PaNaBat platform also supports the development of circular economy solutions for battery materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel and aluminium. Research activities will examine advanced recycling technologies featuring closed-loop material recovery, automated battery disassembly, innovative sorting methods and improved material processing.

Rather than recovering raw elements alone, researchers aim to preserve valuable material functionality so recovered compounds can be directly reused in battery manufacturing, improving resource efficiency and reducing waste.

The initiative also explores opportunities to produce lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate using more sustainable Direct Lithium Extraction technologies while adapting mining and mineral processing expertise for battery recycling applications.

Environmental Assessment Supports Industrial Deployment

Environmental performance forms another major pillar of the project. Researchers will integrate Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) and Integrated Computational Life Cycle Engineering (ICLCE) into technology development to evaluate environmental impacts during the earliest design stages.

By incorporating sustainability assessments throughout research and development, project partners aim to accelerate the commercial adoption of environmentally responsible battery technologies.

An industry advisory board made up primarily of German and Chilean small and medium-sized enterprises will provide technical guidance and support implementation throughout the project. The collaboration is expected to strengthen international partnerships while supporting more sustainable battery material production and resilient supply chains for the global energy transition.

National Security and Critical Metals

The government declared the extraction of critical metals and rare earth minerals a national security interest. Energy Minister Ebba Busch stated this designation aims to accelerate permit processes for new mining projects and attract investments. Despite its mineral wealth, only 1% of global mining investment currently reaches the Sweden mining sector.

Busch highlighted that developing these resources contributes to the defense capabilities of Sweden, the EU, and NATO, describing European reliance on China as a systemic risk. The government is also exploring the creation of a state-owned investment company to support the industry and accelerate strategic mining projects.

Historical Context and Iron Ore Deposits

Sweden has a long history in mining, dating back to the 10th century with the Falun copper mine. Today, the country holds about 60% of Europe’s known iron ore deposits and accounts for roughly 90% of the continent’s iron ore extraction. The LKAB mine in Kiruna alone produces about one-third of this output. The scale of the operation has required the relocation of homes and buildings in Kiruna due to subsidence.

Navigating Land Rights and Expansion

More than 90% of Swedish mines are located in the Norrland region in Sapmi, the traditional territory of the Sami indigenous people. The expansion of mining projects to access critical metals and iron ore deposits has created tension, as the Sami express concerns over impacts on their reindeer-herding lifestyle. Near Kiruna, the Per Geijer find contains an estimated 1.2 billion tons of mineral resources, including 2.2 million tons of rare earth oxides. LKAB is evaluating the deposit, though securing permits on Sami land could take up to 10 years. Currently, four of the EU’s 47 strategic projects designed to reduce mineral dependence on China are based in Sweden.

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It is well to be noted that China happens to make around two-thirds of the refined lithium supply in the world, and many European leaders are worried about what this means for the entire globe. Europe looks to build own lithium mining, manufacturing capabilities because demand for lithium is expected to grow fivefold by 2030. For many EU members, the first step in this process is to dig in their own backyards.

Mining companies are competing to develop promising new lithium discoveries across Germany and Serbia, as well as Portugal. For countries that do not have good lithium deposits, the only thing they can do is accumulate it. Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commissioner for Industrial Strategy, in an interview with Reuters, said that All European countries now have strategic reserves of oil and gas. We should do the same for strategic raw materials.

The Push from Europe Looks to Build Own Lithium Mining

Interestingly, it was thought that Europe only had 5% of the world’s lithium deposits at the beginning of 2026. There was only one commercial lithium mine in Europe, and it was in Portugal. The lithium was used to make ceramics.

The European Union has now called Barroso’s lithium mining project of Portugal – strategic under the Critical Raw Minerals Act – CRMA. Production on a large scale could start at the site as soon as 2027. But there is local opposition to the project, and a rare report from the United Nations has gone on to criticize the lack of openness of the project. Environmentalists are also worried about the effects when it comes to mining operations and have spoken out against the rush by Europe for white gold in Portugal as well as other places.

Serbia’s Jadar Lithium Project and Strategic Interests of the EU

Serbia, which is not part of the European Union, has a lot of lithium deposits. Since 2012, the Eastern European country has been trying its level best to join the European Union.

Joannes Laveyne, who happens to be an energy expert at Ghent University, said, The European Union’s interest in Serbia was almost too good to be true it is claimed the country could provide up to 15% of Europe’s lithium needs alone.

Apparently, Jadarite, which is a mineral that is high in lithium, is only found in Jadar Valley of Serbia. Mining the stable mineral does not have as big of an effect on the environment as other lithium mining operations however, there are still political issues.

Mr. Laveyene said that questions about Serbia’s commitment to European ideals and, to a lesser extent, its ties to Russia are significant hurdles.

It is well to be noted that Rio Tinto, which is a global mining company, has supported the project for a long time and was happy to see the mine included in the European Union’s CRMA framework in the summer of 2025. But it said it was stopping operations in the area because environmental groups were against it.

Neven Cvetićanin, who is a fellow at the Institute of Social Sciences Belgrade and a former member of the Serbian parliament, said that Sooner or later, this or some new project about mining lithium will move forward in Serbia. Mr. Cveticanin further said that the political situation isn’t great for big projects. He adds that Serbia lacks several conditions, including political stability due to ongoing student protests.

Lithium Discovery in Germany and Europe’s Resource Potential

Other countries want to be sitting on the motherlode of white gold in Europe. Neptune Energy, which happens to be a company based in the UK, said that it found 43 million tons of lithium carbonate in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The company is looking to get the mineral out of brine in a way that would go on to use very little land.

A strategic mining analyst, Christopher Ecclestone, said, It’s a potential game-changer for the European Union’s lithium ambitions, and if validated, Germany’s reserves could put Europe on par with global producers.

If accurate, this discovery could as well be as big as South America’s Lithium Crescent, which runs through Bolivia and Chile as well as Argentina. The US has been buying lithium from this area for a long time, but there are certain political risks involved. In 2020, Bolivia asked for a lithium cartel like OPEC. In 2025, the government-run lithium company of the country went on to sign deals with Chinese and Russian businesses so as to help with development.

The Critical Raw Materials Act and Europe’s Lithium Plan

It was in 2024 that the European Union went on to pass the Critical Raw Materials Act. The law has sped up the progress when it comes to strategic mining and recycling projects. However, the quick rollout of the law drew criticism, particularly from Green Party lawmakers who go on to say that the approval process is not clear.

Apparently, there were 47 projects that were called strategic at the time the act was passed. Lithium happens to be involved in 22 of them in some way. Recycling lithium will also help to meet future demand.

Lithium could end up being the most significant aspect in determining who has the most industrial power around the world. The lithium mines in Europe want to change the way the world uses energy, one battery at a time. They get their lithium from the valleys of Serbia or from brine in Germany.