(Chief Editor Mining Report Glückauf)
Editorial
At the beginning of April this year, China suspended exports of heavy rare earths in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. This affects not only the US, but industries worldwide, including Germany. In various issues of Mining Report Glückauf, we have repeatedly pointed out our country’s dependence on imports of mineral raw materials and the need to counteract this dependence in Europe and, if possible, in Germany by developing our own deposits. Neither Germany nor Europe has yet come up with any concrete proposals. One reason for this is the high investment risk involved in financing such projects. This issue of Mining Report Glückauf therefore focuses primarily on possible solutions for financing mining projects.
As a major importer of mineral raw materials, Germany is particularly caught between the current supply situation, changing demand and geopolitical interests. This gives rise to competition at various levels, on the one hand with regard to a secure and sustainable supply itself, and on the other hand with regard to ensuring a competitive cost structure for products processed from these raw materials in Germany. The first article describes the current developments on the raw materials markets. Europe faces a particular structural challenge in its dependence on raw material imports from third countries and the financing of projects within Europe. However, despite the necessity of such investments, they are associated with high risks. Another article analyses the structural deficits in German mining finance, the effects on ownership structures, capital flows and strategic control, the role of industry as a future co-investor and partner, and a structured three-stage financing model. Assistance with the financing of mining projects is available both at European level and from the German federal government. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has positioned itself as an important player in the financing of mining projects that prioritise sustainability, resource efficiency and environmental, social and governance standards. In 2024, the German government set up a raw materials fund to strengthen the supply of raw materials to German companies and the resilience of supply chains and the economy as a whole. Without a secure and affordable supply of raw materials for functioning essential services, progress and prosperity are inconceivable.
The ISSA Mining section points out the VISION ZERO Sustainable Mining 2025 Conference and the“Post-mining” section this time looks at the progress of work on mine water management in hard coal mining for posterity.
With my best regards
Dipl.-Ing. Andreas-Peter Sitte
Chief Editor Mining Report Glückauf, Essen