Europe revives mining to reduce dependence on the import of key raw materials, supply from Serbia as competitive choice

European officials expect that the Law on Critical Raw Materials, which was presented last week, significantly improve the capacity of the extraction block, processing and recycling of key metals, such as lithium. The law aims to reduce dependence on third countries, while China currently dominates in the supply chain of numerous items on the European list of strategic metals.

The EU is also in the race with the United States, which already invest large funds in capacity to produce critical metals under the auspices of the Law on Defense Production and Inflation Reduction Act.

Europe may, however, has provided himself to himself through simplifying the procedures for issuing permits for projects, a painstaking process, which is often stretched for years before the first shovel hits the ground.

The law covers a list of critical minerals in the EU, with a special focus on battery metals, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese.

Copper is on the list as a driver of everything electricity, while aluminum and zinc are not, which could be a striking omission given the recent reduction of European production capacities.

While environmental organizations are concerned about Brussels plans to increase the exploitation of critical raw materials, the advocates of this approach say that it is necessary to achieve the green goals of the block.

The European Union wants to diversify the supply of critical raw materials by China and facilitate the use of mineral reserves needed to build green technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels.

However, local population and environmental activists warn that reducing bureaucracy for projects of exploitation and biodiversity, pointing out that mining can cause serious water and soil pollution and lead to biodiversity forests.

This conflict between European appetite for critical raw materials and its ambitions to protect the continent – local protests are underway against new mining projects in Portugal, Germany, Sweden and Spain, which will only intensify after the adoption of new acceleration legislation Mining activities.

The draft rules suggest that the European Commission could be able to mark strategic plans of public interest, which would prioritize them in the event of a conflict with other EU legislation, for example with the law on conservation of species.

The reason for this is a fear that the EU cannot increase its reserves of key minerals without mitigating strict environmental requirements, which makes the opening of new mines represents a large bureaucratic headache.

Environmental ecologists claim that EU protection rules are necessary and to destroy local biodiversity in search of materials that would become climatic neutral either counterproductive.

Faster drilling

Getting a green light for a new mining project in Europe can take up to 15 years – something that the EU wants to improve in its critical raw material law.

According to the draft, the Commission will allow mining projects that are marked as strategic to receive short terms of two years for permits, with the aim of reducing its dependence on imports.

Although the EU cannot deliver all the raw materials they need, its most important lithium projects, for example, could satisfy 25 to 35 percent of European demand by the end of the decade. Currently, about 78 percent of Lithium in the Block comes from Chile.

Mining companies have long claimed that the issuance of licenses can only be accelerated if the EU agrees to alleviate some ecological rules, such as zero emissions into water, which is difficult to perform.

Mining projects in protected areas, although allowed, also must also undergo an additional impact assessment to show that it will not damage the site integrity.

Treatment of mining activities as projects from primarily public interest would solve a number of similar issues.

Since most well-known reserves of critical raw materials in the block is in protected areas or near them, the EU will have to concesses in nature protection if they want to exploit them, leaders say in the mining industry.

Green groups fought for long anti-expansion of mining in Europe, by favoring efforts to reduce consumption and sources of raw materials in other ways, including recycling and developing alternative materials.

In the light of the new plan of Brussels, they now call for the EU law on nature. However, they fear that the focus of law will increase the offer of raw materials at all costs, not limiting the impact of mining on the environment.

Non-governmental organizations and experts warn that the Commission shoots themselves in the leg if they ignore environmental concerns because protests against new mining projects could potentially disrupt EU goals.

Serbian “critical raw materials”

The demand for rare natural metals for wind turbines is expected to grow four and a half to 2030. Demand for lithium, the key battery element in electrical vehicles and devices will increase 11 times to 2030 and 57 times until 2050, according to the assessments of the Commission. However, only a small part comes from the EU mine.

The largest estimated lithium sites in Europe are in Germany, Czech and Serbia. Legs in Germany are located in large depths and require new extraction technologies that, among other things, can cause earthquakes, and whose environmental and economic sustainability is not yet sufficiently explored.

In 2021, Serbia has begun negotiations on Chapter 15, concerning energy, which implies the implementation of the relevant legal achievements of the European Union, the use of energy protection, the use of renewable energy sources and protection of competition to Serbia.

It remains to be seen whether the new European Regulation will re-open the issue of the controversial project Lithium Jadar.

Although neither new law or accompanying documents mention Serbia, increased cooperation with strategic partners around the world has been announced and it seems that Serbia will be an important point in future plans of European critical raw material mines.

Also, in Serbia, there are a borough bay, natural salts containing pine and are mainly used to produce glass, but also vital for plant growth, so they are in fertilizers.

In addition, they use for insulating homes and in car safety components such as airbags. Currently, the EU gets a huge majority, 98 percent, its borants from Turkey.

On the other hand, the Serbian exploitation mining company Belkanhan could become a primary supplier of EU graphite, which is also on the list of critical materials. It is used in pencils, batteries, steel furnaces, and can be converted into artificial diamonds.

BELKALHAN mine is based on a high quality graphite, with 4 million tons of reserves confirmed at only 25 percent of the project location. The mine is marked as a mineral deposit from national interest in the EU.

Potentially a joint venture partnership and investments will enable Belkalhan to integrate the graphite-based product chain for numerous lithium-ion batteries for electrical vehicles, fuel cells, graphene and nanomaterials, heat management in consumer electronics and smart consumer electronics and smart products buildings.

Calcium Carbonate Industry, Reshaping the Market Growth, Serbian supplier to match European industrial demand

Serbian Belkalhan calcium carbonate mine with its 99% highest quality and deposits confirmed could push local and European pharmaceutical industry forward with competitive supply options.

Considering the fact that Serbia is at the doorstep of EU market, which has its supply chains severely disturbed, Serbian calcium carbonate supplier could match the needs of its European customers.

In the same Belkalhan calcite mine and company operations can serve as trading hub toward third markets as Serbia has several key free trade agreements with large markets.

Europe is the fastest growing region with a market demand increase of 8.4% by 2030 because of the favorable legal and regulatory environment, coupled with a coherent industrial strategy.

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a common substance found in rocks as the minerals calcite and aragonite (most notably as limestone, which is a type of sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcite).

Serbian calcite deposits are confirmed with 99% of purity and whiteness which makes it a unique quality deposit in Europe, highly attractive for pharmaceutical, chemical, paper, food, wine and other industries.

The demand for precipitated calcium carbonate increased from the pharmaceutical and residential water treatment sectors of the region during the lockdowns imposed in the world to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Pharmaceutical market calcite application remains stable high by 2040 and European market is one of the key players, including both pharma producing companies but also investors and funds.

Automotive application of calcium carbonate is the fastest growing segment with market demand increase of 7.5% by 2030 owing to the growing utilization of the product in power trains, electrical components, interior furnishes, exterior furnishes, and chassis, dominantly monitored by European customers, but also investors and funds.

One of the most significant trends in calcium carbonate technology is the development of new and improved methods for manufacturing calcium carbonate from calcite deposits.

This has led to the production of calcium carbonate that is of a higher quality and purity than ever before. Belkalhan calcite deposits are already highest of quality with 99% of whiteness and purity which makes them perfect match for industrial application.

This has in turn allowed calcium carbonate to be used in a wider range of applications, including in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

The global precipitated calcium carbonate market size is expected to reach USD 23.39 billion
by 2030, expanding at average 8% until 2040. This is attributed to the rising inclusion of the product in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

In addition, the rise in the standard of living along with the improvement in the hygiene standard has led to the increasing usage of tissues and packaging paper. This, in turn, is likely to positively impact the demand for the precipitated calcium carbonate market in the coming years.

The pulp & paper application continues to grow at a significant rate on the account of the
rising demand for precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) due to its operational flexibility.

Some factors favoring the usage of the product in the paper industry are high brightness and relatively low price, and the attainment of a porous surface of the paper sheet due to the rhombohedral particle shape.

Key market players are investing in the onsite manufacturing of calcium carbonate for large- scale industries. The organizations in the sector are focused on the development of new products with various properties to cater to industry demands. Belkalhan calcite mine exploitation technology concepts are fully adjustable to customer special demands in terms of product and package.

Belkalhan calcite mine offers limestone quarries and form a high level of value chain integration by supplying natural & unprocessed limestone, processing the raw materials according to customer’s demand, and distributing the product.

Belkalhan is the Serbian based mining exploitation company focused on graphite and calcite. The company aims to utilise unique quality of raw materials for application in industry high tech products like batteries, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Having all exploitation permits secured and underground mine technology developed, Belkalhan aims to support overall economy transformation. R&D center for high tech critical raw materials supply remains primarily goal in which we seek reliable, institutional partner investor.

More informations could be found on: belkalhan.eu

Calcite battery industry to match lithium demand and high risks, Serbian mine could provide reliable supply

Calcium ions could be used as an alternative technology to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), bringing benefits as a result of their abundance and low cost. Serbia could be one of the top suppliers of calcium carbonate for battery production as it has the highest confirmed quality of calcite deposits of 99% pureness even attractive for high tech pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

Due to a significant disturbances in the supply chain in Europe, there was an interruption in the consistent delivery of materials. Serbian calcite and graphite mine Belkalhan.eu, its availability and cost effective exploitation makes this project highly attractive for investment and R&D JV project.

Time to Take a Calcium Battery Seriously

Calcium is 2,000 times more abundant than lithium, and is available locally in Europe. We find it in anything from bones to chalk in fact. Calcite / calcium carbonate is one the most abundant elements on the earth’s crust,’ adds Dr. Palacín of Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid.

‘It’s not as geographically concentrated as lithium is. This could make a battery inexpensive because the raw material is cheap.’ His team’s calcium battery prototype is already proving promising. Europa.Eu reports the material forms a successful negative cathode with twice the electron exchange as lithium.

‘As any calcium travels through the electrolyte, two electrons would travel outside (instead of one with lithium),’ Dr. Palacín explains. ‘One could imagine that for the same battery size, the range would be higher if you used it in an electric vehicle.’

Why Develop a Calcium Battery Now?

Lithium batteries are making a significant contribution to stored energy. However, their success could become their downfall as scarce lithium prices skyrocket, and the green circular economy becomes paramount. Moreover, the silvery metal is dangerous to handle according to Europa.Eu, questioning its sustainability further.

Europe alone may demand 60 times more lithium by 2050 to fulfill the need for electric vehicle batteries. Not to mention renewable energy storage that will form the backbone of reaching its emissions goals.Meanwhile lithium mines, many in remote locations are struggling to meet 2022 demands and are opposing serious environmental opposition.

Calcite batteries are surely becoming more attractive for industry usage but also for investors seeking sustainable returns. Serbian academic and technology institutions could serve as excellent ground base for joint venture R&D projects and later its industrial usage. Competitiveness of local Serbian market could be another driver for Joint venture with calcite mine developer Belkalhan company which has all the preconditions meet including permits and location infrastructure managed.

New Graphite supplier from south Europe could become industrial primary supplier of critical raw material

Demand for Global Graphite Market Size To Hit EUR 30 Billion by 2028

The Belkalhan graphite mine in South Serbia is one of most suitable resources –it is based on the 16,6% high-quality graphite deposit which even has been designated as mineral deposit of national interest in EU. With 4 million tons of reserves confirmed on only 25% of project location, the project offers highest possible potential to owners and its future new shareholders which are willing to join forces in this unique R&D critical raw material exploitation.

Belkalhan mining exploitation company confirmed that new drills on graphite intersections are underway with preliminary results showing the same 16,6% or higher quality.

The location of the mine, with its numerous competitive advantages on infrastructure/logistics/processing/ and R&D facility are in the parallel focus of Belkalhan development teams supported by experienced mining experts and university mining institutes.

Belkalhan teams are developing and engineering future processing facility designs along with tailor made exploitation and processing technologies which will fit the local landscape with highest environment and social impact standards and action plans. Stakeholder actions plans are under development as well as its strategic investor relations strategy already operational and due to the large number of inquiries from Asian markets.

Belkalhan remains devoted to its primarily strategic orientation and goal toward opening R&D center thru JV which will be local community based and which will could serve as technology transfer center for Serbian and European industry.

Potential JV partnership and investment will enable Belkalhan to integrate downstream into the manufacturing of graphite products for a number of high-growth markets including lithium ion batteries/EVs, fuel cells, graphene and nanomaterials, thermal management in consumer electronics, smart building products and fire retardants. Graphite deposits with unique European quality makes the mine one of the most attractive in Europe.

More informations on project potentials at belkalhan.eu

Serbian calcite exploitation company Belkalhan opening supply channels toward Europe industrial users for delivery contracts 2024/2025

Serbian based Mining development and exploitation company Belkalhan, the owner of biggest confirmed reserves of calcite/calcium carbonate announces client invitation for supply contracts for year 2024,2025.

Pharmaceutical, chemical, food industry in Europe could benefit from this new supply source, making it reliable source in Europe. The scope of application of calcite is so wide making it almost essential resource in processing industry.

With its highest confirmed unique purity, quality and various industry application, Belkalhan calcite materials reserves could become Europe prime supply location for industrial application. Each industrial user of calcium carbonate have its specific materials requirements and Belkalhan is ready for its client technology application but also processing & delivery adjustments im accordance with client needs.

Intersected Deposits of Calcite as calcium carbonate resource has 99,99% purity and 98% whitenesses in the deposit line of 15m thickness and 125m height, the length of 720m of confirmed deposit which indicates extremely rare deposit quantity and quality which makes it a unique world resource.

Calcium Carbonate is used in several applications in the industrial, concrete, and oil markets. Highly purified forms of calcium carbonate are also used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. In the oil drilling industry, calcium carbonate is sometimes added to drilling muds and completion fluids to increase the density of the fluids. In industrial, concrete, and building applications, calcium carbonate is used as a chemical building block for the preparation of building materials.

The purified calcium carbonate powder that Belkalhan supplies for pharmaceutical applications is used in the preparation of various medicines and tablets such as antacids. It is also used as an acid neutralizing agent in certain food and beverage preparations that require a balanced pH level.

Belkalhan supplies calcium carbonate as a fine white powder or granulation for use in industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Belkalhan offers different grades of calcium carbonate – technical grade calcium carbonate is used as a chemical building block, as a base, and as a source of both calcium and carbonate anion. We also can supply pharmaceutical grade calcium carbonate which is used in certain medical preparations such as nutritional calcium supplements and antacid tablets.

More informations on project potentials at belkalhan.eu

Serbian Belkalhan calcite & graphite mining developer invites JV partners for joint critical raw materials exploitation

Serbian based mining exploration company Belkalhan confirms calcite and graphite large deposits and unique quality as new European resource base for industry. Belkalhan announced that it has confirmed its deposits footprint after a positive step up drill exploration within its key prospect in South Serbia.

Belkalhan Serbia announced it has confirmed its calcite and graphite mine potentials for further investments with future Joint Venture partner. With prospect location advantages and confirmed unique quality of raw material and its quantity, Belkalhan calcite and graphite mine could become a major source for European industry critical raw materials supply.

The limestone cover also has 98,5% purity and 94% whiteness which makes it an ideal resource for number of industrial technology production processes. With its premium quality and whiteness the calcite & limestone reserves are perfect for pharmaceutical, chemical and food industry among others.

Confirmed deposits of calcite as carbonate source are 5.550 million tons, with additional exploitation surface area potential.

During our exploration drilling we located the graphite deposit line of 300m length and with various depth of deposited quantities. Preliminary results indicate on the high quality and pureness. Additional 4 million tons are being expected to be confirmed in ongoing field exploration. New drills results are being expected and expectations are high for graphite quality and reserves.

Potential JV partnership and investment will enable Belkalhan to integrate downstream into the manufacturing of calcite and graphite products for a number of high-growth markets including lithium ion batteries/EVs, fuel cells, graphene and nanomaterials, thermal management in consumer electronics, smart building products and fire retardants. Calcite deposits with unique European quality makes the mine one of the most attractive in Europe.

More informations on project potentials at belkalhan.eu