20
countries
took place in Wroclaw on 17-19 October 2023 to promote mining and exploration investment opportunities and best practices across Europe.
Company
categories
- Services
- Equipment
- Mining
- Government
- Finance
- NGO
Seniority
- C-Level
- Other
Participants
from 20 countries
The Forum brought together participants from
60+
companies
over 40
experts
BRIEFLY
ABOUT THE FORUM
The Forum facilitated essential conversations on the sustainable and dependable sourcing of primary raw materials to meet the needs of the European industrial ecosystems. It also addressed the impact of the European Critical Raw Materials Act, Just Transition, Coal phase-out, and other policies on further opportunities for the mining and metals industry in Central, Eastern, and wider Europe. A special session of the Forum was dedicated to the modernisation mining industry in Ukraine and the opportunity for the development of green metals and materials required to meet climate change commitments.
An exhibition of mining projects and technologies organised alongside the Forum stimulated business exchange and forged partnerships with the local mining communities.
The MINEX Europe Forum is dedicated to more than just knowledge sharing and industry meetings. It’s about making a tangible, positive impact on the communities it touches. The Forum contributed $5,620 to the Foundation Ukraine NGO to empower and support Ukrainian Refugees in Lower Silesia.
One of the key objectives of the MINEX Europe Forum is to share best practices in mineral resources management, mining and post-mining reconciliation, and redevelopment of mining areas. The Forum delegates had an opportunity to visit one of the most prominent cases of the repurposing of the old mine turned into a grand tourist attraction in Poland which has in 2022 won the prestigious European Heritage Award
FORUM INSPIRATIONS
AND MAIN TAKEAWAYS
- The importance of securing supply chains for critical minerals is becoming increasingly important as we move away from fossil fuels. China controls over 23% of the global supply of cobalt, which is used in batteries, and this creates a situation where European jobs and industries are vulnerable to market shocks and geopolitical events.
- Mining creates vast economic opportunities, both in the mining sector itself and in the wider economy.
- Mining in Europe presents a unique set of challenges, primarily due to its stringent environmental and social standards, high population density, and complex legal frameworks. It’s a region where responsible mining practices are paramount.
- Exploration and mining companies operating in Europe often invest a substantial amount of time and resources in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measures before they delve into any technical work – as one single municipality could prevent the construction of a mine. Finding investors can be an uphill battle, as many see European mining as riskier when compared to other regions like Africa and Australia. Nevertheless, the interest in exploring Europe is on the rise.
- One hopeful development is the European Critical Raw Materials Act. This act aims to diversify and strengthen the EU’s critical raw material supply chains, potentially providing a much-needed boost to European mining activities. However, it’s important to note that tangible impacts may take some time to materialise.
- While there are obviously challenges in the transition to net zero, there are also ample opportunities for all the participants in the mining ecosystem and across all levels of the supply chain.
- Mining can sometimes be seen as a dirty word. But mining matters for sustainability, and it matters for security. Done right, it is modern, safe, and clean.
VISIT
TO ZLOTY STOK
Visit to a Medieval Gold Mining Village at Złoty Stok became an unforgettable experience showcasing post-mining reconciliation and redevelopment of mining areas, turning an abandoned mine town into a thriving tourist attraction and Polish-German heritage center.
Złoty Stok is the oldest mining and metallurgical centre in Poland. Arsenic and gold deposits were mined in these areas as early as the 13th century. Mining activity flourished in the 16th century. In the golden age of mining, there could be as many as 150 small and larger mines in the area In 1962, the mine in Złoty Stok ceased its activity, and later it was completely flooded. It is estimated that during 700 years of exploitation, 16 tonnes of pure gold were obtained from local deposits.
On May 28, 1996, the Underground Tourist Route “Gold Mine” was launched. Extremely interesting tunnels were made available: “Gertuda Adit”, and “Black Upper Adit” with the only underground waterfall in Poland (8 m high) and the newest section, open to the public since 2008, the Lower Black Adit.