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IG ASIA Acquires Majority Interest in the Pribrezhniy Porphyry Copper Deposit in the Republic of Kazakhstan

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IG ASIA LLC (“IG Asia” or the “Company”), a private Nevis based company, is pleased to announce it has entered into a conditional agreement with Rio Tinto International Holdings Limited (the “Vendor”) to acquire its 75% ownership interest in the Pribrezhniy porphyry copper deposit (>1Mt contained copper) and five additional underexplored prospect areas located in the most prolific porphyry belt in the Republic of Kazakhstan (the “Project”, Figure 1) (the “Transaction”). On completion of the Transaction, IG Asia will acquire 75% of the Project which has a scoping level engineering analysis performed by Rio Tinto Exploration Kazakhstan.   The remaining 25% of the joint venture is owned by KazGeology, a Kazakhstan state geological resources entity. Ongoing exploration work has demonstrated significant potential for expansion and further discovery.

TRANSACTION HIGHLIGHTS

  • Transaction supports IG Asia’s path toward becoming a leading regional copper explorer and developer

    • This asset is a flagship project for IG Asia alongside its TN5 project in Mongolia. TN5 is located between world class Oyu Tolgoi and Kharmagtai deposits of Rio Tinto and Xanadu Mines where the target is a large Tier 1 copper–gold–molybdenum porphyry.
    • The Company is proposing technical work at Pribrezhniy with the objective of further increasing upside in the project through a combination of increased mineral inventory and optimized processing.
  • Pribrezhniy is ideally located within an established mining district
    • The Project is located in the most prolific porphyry belt in the Republic of Kazakhstan containing several commercial discoveries such as the Aktogay (2.2Bt @ 0.37% Cu), Taysogan, Sayak and Kounrad deposits.
    • Located at the eastern end of the Kounrad group of copper deposits it boasts excellent mining infrastructure with access to power, water, a dual line railway and smelter in the district.
    • The Project license area covers 832km2 of exploration ground with the exploration stage of the license being valid until February 2029 to produce a feasibility study on Pribrezhniy and advance two additional prospects within the license.
  • Transaction terms are focused squarely on the path to project and mine development
    • Upon completion of the Transaction, the Company shall pay the Vendor USD 2.23M primarily for reimbursement of exploration work performed in 2023.
    • Additional expenditures of USD 11M to reach a prefeasibility level project by 2029.
    • An additional one–time payment of USD 20M and a NSR royalty are due to the Vendor upon reaching certain nameplate production milestones.

Richard Leveille, former VP Exploration for Freeport McMoran and Director and Chief Copper Consultant for IG Asia commented, ” The Pribrezhniy acquisition represents a unique opportunity for IG Asia to leapfrog from a greenfields explorer to having a scoping–level project near excellent infrastructure in a favorable mining–friendly jurisdiction.

Thomas E. Bowens, founder and Executive Director of IG Asia states, “The acquisition of the Pribrezhniy deposit is a major development for IG Global and our IG Asia subsidiary. In just over two years our team has advanced IG Asia from a green fields exploration company to a multi tiered exploration and development company. The Pribrezhniy acquisition provides IGA with an advanced copper molybdenum porphyry deposit that has undergone a successful scoping study indicating robust economics. This acquisition provides a major step forward for the company and adds substantial value to our current portfolio of copper, gold and lithium brine projects underway in Kazakhstan and Mongolia.   I am very proud of our outstanding IG Asia team. IG Asia is well underway to becoming a major force in the mineral exploration and mining industry in Central Asia.”

Figure 1: Location of Pribrezhniy and other deposit areas of interest. P1 = Pribrezhniy; P2 = Prikounradsky; S1 = South Kounrad, NE1 & NE2 = Pribrezhniy Northeast & Northwest. Shabigon is an exclave located 120km west of the main area.

GEOLOGY

Pribrezhniy represents the eastward end of the Kounrad group of copper deposits. The geology comprises typical A, B and D veins in a porphyry system encompassing breccia zones and alteration hosted by monzogranite, monzogranite porphyry and tonalite (Figure 2). Copper mineralization is associated with a late monzonite porphyry phase, but mineralization is also found in an earlier phase of monzogranite that forms a wide arc (Northern, Southern and Eastern Zones).

An additional intrusive phase of monzogranite was assumed to form a barren core. However, at the end of the final evaluation drilling campaign (over 50,000m of diamond drilling was carried out by Rio Tinto Exploration Kazakhstan between 2018–2023), significant intercepts of mineralised breccia were encountered in the previously untested central ‘barren’ monzogranite in the last few diamond drill holes, including (refer to Table 1 and Appendix A herein):

Table 1: Summary of selected significant intercepts over down–the–hole thicknesses at campaign end.

Drillhole ID Lithology Downhole
interval (m)		 Weighted ave.,
Cu %		 Weighted ave.,
Ag g/t
PRIB0109 Breccia Hydrothermal 124.7 0.74 2.7
PRIB0111 Breccia Hydrothermal 64.0 0.34 1.3
PRIB0112 Monzogranite 43.6 0.47 0.9


Figure 2: Geology of Pribrezhniy showing north and south mineralized zones either side of a barren core of monzogranite. Holes highlighted in blue are for geotechnical sampling to support starter open pits, 2023 series holes are shown in red. IG developed oxide ore zone subtypes shown in insets: blanket oxide = BOX (red) and supergene subtypes = SUPER (blue) are shown for each zone.


Figure 3: Mineralised core intercepts from drillhole P98, Eastern Zone


a) Oxide.78.8m depth. Hematite–goethite–jarosite weathering with malachite. 40.0m @ 0.39% Cu


b) Sulphide. 199.8m depth. Quartz–chalcopyrite–molybdenite veinlet dissemination with sericite alteration. 18.0m @ 0.64% Cu

Figure 4: Examples of mineralised veinsets from Eastern Zone


a) P105, 207m depth. B–type quartz–pyrite–chalcopyrite–molybdenite vein in monzodiorite


b) P106, 168m depth. Quartz–chalcopyrite D–type with sericite selvage cutting rejuvenated A–veins with K–feldspar in granodiorite

Robust metallurgical, hydrogeological, geotechnical and environmental studies were carried out between 2018–2020 to advance a scoping level study including an estimate of mineral inventory:

Table 2: Global Geology mineral inventory after 2021–2022

MINERAL
TYPE		 TONNES
ORE Mt		 TONNES CU
METAL Kt		 TONNES MO
METAL Kt		 CU GRADE %  MO GRADE % CU EQUIVALENT %*
OXIDE ONLY 80 213 – 0.27 – 0.27
COMBINED SULPHIDE 722 2,275 100 0.31 0.014 0.38

 * Cu equivalent is calculated on a price deck of USD9,000/t for copper and USD44,000/t for molybdenum according to the formula: Cu eq. grade = [(Cu price x Cu grade + Mo price x Mo grade)/Cu price x Cu grade] x Cu grade

Prices are based on rounding down the LME daily metal price for 10 April 2024 to Cu = USD4.2/lb and Mo = USD20/lb

Image 1: Copper oxide mineralization in weathered granite

ECONOMICS

IG Asia performed its own optimization and NSR studies to produce a high–level financial analysis based on the following mineral inventory for a stand–alone heap leach operation recovering from oxide and a combined oxide + hypogene operation where cash flow is generated from oxide during construction of the sulphide concentrator. Both bottom–lines for each scenario were positive with profitability indices >1. Silver, in addition, is present in sufficient quantities in the copper concentrate (up to 70ppm in Cu scavenger circuits) to be a credit in a smelter contract and the Company will look to include it in future resource estimates.

Table 3: In–Pit Mineralisation (satisficer shells) 2023

PIT REVENUE
FACTOR		 TONNES
ORE Mt		 AVE CU % TONNES
WASTE Mt		 TONNES
TOTAL Mt		 SR NPV10 M$ LoM
Yrs		 PAYBACK
Yrs		 IRR % Profit
Index
OXIDE ONLY 0.89 43 0.29 119 162 2.74 $147 4.3 2 53 >2
COMBINED
SULPHIDE		 0.62 700 0.24 301 1,001 0.43 $716 26.4 9 18 1.6

Given the very favourable economic conditions, enhanced by excellent mining infrastructure (access to power, water, dual line railway and smelter in the district), IG embarked on producing a preliminary 3D model of oxide ore subtypes based on extracting acid leachable copper and cyanide leachable copper phase analyses from the Vendor’s comprehensive database:

  • AsCu >65% = BOX (will heap leach)
  • AsCu 50–64% = OTHER (may heap leach if blended)
  • CNCu >35% = SUPER (will heap leach)

To yield an estimation of heap leachable oxide resources. Volumes and tonnages for each mineral category are quoted at 0.1% Cu cut–off grade:

Table 4: IG in–house preliminary estimates of oxide ore subtypes based on drill data up to November 2023.

№ Name   Volume m3 Tonnage t Grade Cu % In–situ Cu content t
1 BOX   6 452 000 16 711 000 0.29 49 000
2 SUPER   11 095 000 28 736 000 0.26 75 000
3 OTHER   916 000 2 374 000 0.28 6 000
    Total potentially leachable 47 821 000 0.27 130 000

The estimates represent an order of magnitude assessment, given wide data spacing and lack of rigorous application of mining modifying factors but can be used as an optimistic scenario for an 8–10–year SX/EW operation fed from within the Prebrezhniy deposit area alone.

NEXT STEPS

IG Asia will use the expenditure commitment of USD 9M to February 2029 to carry out the following strategy:

  • Oxide Only Project
    • Fully outline and define resources, particularly supergene, eastern extensions and centre within the Pribrezhniy deposit and investigate oxide copper concentrations at the other prospects within the license.
    • Perform heap leach specific testwork on representative ore subtypes.
  • Combined Sulphide Project
    • Fully outline newly discovered high–grade breccia from surface –with an aim to define the full extent of the higher–grade breccia ‘sweetener’.
    • Improve sulphide resource definition.
    • Increase level of accuracy in project metrics including water management plan to benefit local users where water is a scarce resource.
  • Definition Phase Studies
    Three main study areas to complete are:
    • Comprehensive ESIA including upgraded 3D hydrogeological model integrated with a water management plan.
    • Preliminary oxide Mine Development Project Plan on SXEW operation over 8 yr LoM.
    • Combined oxide + sulphide Pre–Feasibility Study at +/– 30% level of accuracy.

Image 2: Drilling at Central Zone, Pribrezhniy
     

Qualified Person, Technical Information 

Steve McRobbie, MAusIMM. Vice President Projects of IG Asia LLC, has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

About IG Asia

IG Asia is focused on world class opportunities in the mineral–rich countries of Kazakhstan and Mongolia. On the heels of IG Global Group’s successful exploration and discoveries at IG Copper and IG Tintic, founder Thomas E. Bowens formed IG Asia recognizing the vast mineral discovery potential of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and the opportunity presented by the modernization of their attractive foreign investment frameworks.  IGG’s exceptional technical team and regional experience is its strategic advantage. For more information: www.igasia.com

About IG Global Group LLC

IGG is a private international holding company focused on the exploration and development of world class mineral deposits. The Company’s activities include mineral exploration, mining operations and mining services. Founded in 2010 by Thomas E. Bowens, a Certified Professional Geologist, with degrees in Economics, Geological Engineering (Magna Cum Laude) and a master’s degree in Geology (the latter two from the Colorado School of Mines).  IGG brings together experienced professionals who are innovators in their fields with selected technical consultants who are well–versed in the latest industry exploration and mine development techniques and technologies. For more information igglobalgroup.com.

CONTACT Steven McRobbie, VP Projects: smcrobbie@igglobalgroup.com
  Stephanie Ashton, VP Business Development: sashton@igglobalgroup.com


APPENDIX A

SELECTED DRILL RESULTS FROM FINAL HOLES OF RTX’S 2023 DRILLING CAMPAIGN (Refer Figure 2 for location on the deposit)


Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fd75a4b–5401–466d–bfdc–941282c35801

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75124aa2–26c6–44dd–aee1–0d551e051d0f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/834735ab–9818–4633–bba3–e7263f5a1138

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ed9fbb4–071b–44a0–be42–11d9a765d9b1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ee55458–291c–4d86–aad3–061088fa1ac0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38073eb3–d3fa–4446–84af–2f6981335acc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ad468a1–2490–4e2d–a319–03e351a8980b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65e26b50–43f7–4001–b883–ef9b4403faad

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7c655f2–f575–439b–8ae8–26abf3e6a72c


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9109617)

Two Anglo American mines are first African iron ore operations audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining

SEATTLE, March 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the audits of Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela and Sishen iron ore operations against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Independent audit firm ERM–CVS assessed both operations at IRMA 75 when measuring their performance against the Standard’s best practice social and environmental criteria. Kumba Iron Ore is an Anglo American subsidiary.

The IRMA 75 achievement level means that ERM–CVS verified that the operations at least substantially met all 40 critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 75% of the Standard’s criteria in each of the four principle areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity and planning for positive legacies. The full audit reports are available on the Kolomela and Sishen audit pages on the IRMA website.

“The information stakeholders need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention.”

“This report demonstrates that mines can point to transparent, independent evaluations of their environmental and social performance,” said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention — at specific mines.”

As the IRMA Standard is recognized and adopted around the globe, these audits are first steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. Because the process is still evolving, IRMA cautions that the results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

“These mines began audits during the early COVID years. Their timelines were delayed by travel challenges, and then the company’s decision to use the optional corrective action period to make improvements. The public has long awaited opportunity to review the information included here, and we applaud Anglo American for volunteering these mines for audit against such comprehensive criteria.” Ms. Boulanger went on to say, “That said, the IRMA Standard is relatively new for companies that volunteer to be audited, and even our accredited auditors are still learning. The same is true for community members and workers who are interviewed as part of the process, some of whom may not yet feel comfortable engaging. So, the Kolomela and Sishen audits need to be read with this in mind.”

The reports also provide an honest accounting of IRMA’s progress as the Standard and assessment process continue to mature.

“If the results don't fully reflect the experience of communities, Indigenous rights holders or other affected groups, we want to hear from them,” Ms. Boulanger said. “We’ll help them communicate with the company to better understand its performance, and with the auditors on any issues they feel were overlooked in the review. This is a cornerstone of our own commitment to transparency. We invite anyone who has criticisms of our work to join us in making it better. Finding ways to improve is built into our system — and a measure of its success.”

The IRMA Standard is being updated in 2024; input on how to improve the IRMA Standard is welcomed. Chapters in the IRMA Standard include requirements on protection to human rights, water resources, worker health and safety, biodiversity, Indigenous free, prior, informed consent and more.

“Committing to an IRMA audit reflects our desire to improve and our openness to dialogue.”

Mpumi Zikalala, Chief Executive for Kumba Iron Ore said, “Our achievement of IRMA 75 for Kolomela and Sishen mines is testament to the hard work of our teams. The result is informed by evidence from a diverse range of stakeholders including employees, governments, NGOs, and communities alike. This invaluable input will drive our ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability performance. Achieving excellent results in IRMA audits serves as recognition and proof of our commitment to high standards, best practices, transparency and assurance.”

Including Kolomela and Sishen, 19 industrial–scale mines worldwide are within the IRMA independent assessment system. After an initial self–assessment, a participating mine engages a third–party audit firm — trained and approved by IRMA — to conduct a detailed independent evaluation, including on–site visits to the mine and nearby communities. Following the release of the initial audit, a shorter surveillance audit checks on the mine’s performance. Three years after the initial audit, the operation is fully audited again (Note: The first mines audited in the IRMA system have had extensions to this timeline due to Covid delays and launch–phase learning; updated full reviews will be required to maintain or increase achievement scores.)

The independent IRMA system is the only global mining standard that provides equal power to the public sector (communities and Indigenous rights holders, mine workers, and environmental and human rights advocates) alongside the private sector (mining companies, mined materials purchasers and investors).

 

4 April Webinar
WHAT: Learn about the meaning of the audit results, and how stakeholders can make use of the increased transparency an IRMA audit provides. All registrants will receive a webinar recording. Scheduled for 1 hour, the webinar will reserve at least 30 minutes for Q&A.

WHO:

  • IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger
  • IRMA Africa Regional Lead Davidzo Muchawaya
  • Kumba Iron Ore Head of Corporate Affairs Pranill Ramchander
  • IRMA Assurance Director Michelle Smith

WHEN: Thursday, 4 April, 2pm South Africa time

HOW: Register at https://responsiblemining.net/kolomela–sishen–release–webinar

For More Information:

 


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9079853)

Two Anglo American mines are first South African operations audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining

Amandelbult and Mototolo achieve IRMA 50 and IRMA 75, respectively

SEATTLE, Feb. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the audits of Anglo American’s Amandelbult and Mototolo PGM operations against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Independent audit firm ERM–CVS assessed Amandelbult at IRMA 50 and Mototolo at IRMA 75 when measuring their performance against the Standard’s best practice social and environmental criteria.

IRMA also released the surveillance (interim) audit for Anglo’s Unki PGM operation in Zimbabwe, as conducted by audit firm SCS Global. In 2021, Unki achieved IRMA 75 in IRMA’s first–ever on–site audit; a surveillance audit is a more limited check–in, so it does not result in further detailed scoring but rather provides updates on performance.

IRMA 50 or 75 means that ERM–CVS verified that the operations at least substantially met all 40 critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 50 or 75% of the Standard’s criteria in each of the four principle areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity and planning for positive legacies. The full audit reports are available on the Amandelbult and Mototolo audit pages, as well as Unki’s surveillance report, on the IRMA website.

“The information stakeholders need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention.”

“This report demonstrates that mines can point to transparent, independent evaluations of their environmental and social performance,” said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention — at specific mines.”

As the IRMA Standard is recognized and adopted around the globe, these audits are first steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. Because the process is still evolving, IRMA cautions that the initial results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

“These mines began audits during the early Covid years. The timeline was delayed by travel challenges, and then the company’s decision to use the optional corrective action period to make improvements. The public has long awaited opportunity to review the information included here, and we applaud Anglo American for volunteering these mines for audit against such comprehensive criteria.” Ms. Boulanger went on to say, “That said, the IRMA Standard is relatively new for companies that volunteer to be audited, and even our accredited auditors are still learning. The same is true for community members and workers who are interviewed as part of the process, some of whom may not yet feel comfortable engaging. So, the Amandelbult and Mototolo audits need to be read with this in mind.”

The reports also provide an honest accounting of IRMA’s progress as the Standard and assessment process continue to mature.

“If the results don't fully reflect the experience of communities, Indigenous rights holders or other affected groups, we want to hear from them,” Ms. Boulanger said. “We’ll help them communicate with the company to better understand its performance, and with the auditors on any issues they feel were overlooked in the review. This is a cornerstone of our own commitment to transparency. We invite anyone who has criticisms of our work to join us in making it better. Finding ways to improve is built into our system — and a measure of its success.”

The IRMA Standard is being updated in 2024; input on how to improve the IRMA Standard is welcomed. Chapters in the IRMA Standard include requirements on protection to human rights, water resources, worker health and safety, biodiversity, Indigenous free, prior, informed consent and more.

“Committing to an IRMA audit reflects our desire to improve and our openness to dialogue.”

Craig Miller, CEO of Anglo American Platinum said, “This significant milestone at Mototolo and Amandelbult mines in our overall adoption of IRMA enables us to promote transparency and best practice in sustainability, while adding value to our global customers by helping them to meet increasing expectations for responsibly mined materials in an efficient and credible way. With Unki mine achieving IRMA 75 in 2021, and now the achievements of Mototolo with IRMA 75 and Amandelbult with IRMA 50, we are continuing to make great progress towards our sustainable mining plan target of having all our mining operations assured against a recognised responsible mining standard by 2025.”

Including Amandelbult, Mototolo and Unki, 19 industrial–scale mines worldwide are within the IRMA independent assessment system. After an initial self–assessment, a participating mine engages a third–party audit firm — trained and approved by IRMA — to conduct a detailed independent evaluation, including on–site visits to the mine and nearby communities. Following the release of the initial audit, a shorter surveillance audit checks on the mine’s performance. Three years after the initial audit, the operation is fully audited again (Note: The first mines audited in the IRMA system have had extensions to this timeline due to Covid delays and launch–phase learning; updated full reviews will be required to maintain or increase achievement scores.)

The independent IRMA system is the only global mining standard that provides equal power to the public sector (communities and Indigenous rights holders, mine workers, and environmental and human rights advocates) alongside the private sector (mining companies, mined materials purchasers and investors).

Learn more at the Feb 27th Webinar Q&A

  • REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/IRMAwebinar–A–M
  • Tuesday, 27 Feb, 4pm South Africa time (UTC+2)
  • Speakers:
    IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger,
    IRMA Africa Regional Lead Davidzo Muchawaya
    IRMA Assurance Director Michelle Smith,
    Anglo American Platinum Head of Sustainability Stephen Bullock
  • A discussion and Q&A about the meaning of the audit results, and how the increased transparency an IRMA audit provides can be used by stakeholders to improve the operation.
  • All registrants will receive a recording.

For More Information:

 


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9038587)

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) completes acquisition of Arc Metal AB in Sweden

  • Acquisition adds smelting capability to serve spent automotive catalyst customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa
  • Complements ECMS’s global recycling operations and precious metal services
  • Broadens range of materials that can be processed by ECMS

ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has completed the acquisition of Arc Metal AB in Hofors, Sweden. The asset purchase adds toll smelting and processing of spent automotive catalyst in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and further complements ECMS’s existing global precious metal recycling operations in Cinderford, UK, Seneca and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Caldwell, Texas, USA.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome our new colleagues with the successful acquisition of Arc Metal,” said Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President, Precious Metal Services and Recycling, ECMS. “Now we can turn our attention to growing our recycling business in EMEA by meeting increased customer demand for spent automotive recycling and utilizing our expanded capabilities to process high carbon containing materials, like silicon carbide found in spent automotive catalyst materials.”

The additional smelting capacity at the Sweden site will also increase utilization of new refinery capacity in Seneca, South Carolina. Recycled catalysts go through a smelting process and are then refined to produce the high purity precious metal needed to make new catalysts and other end use products, supporting a circular economy.

In addition, the acquisition bolsters ECMS’s ability to deliver its 100 percent recycled metal offering Verdium™, which is based on mass balance. Recycled platinum group metals can lower carbon emissions by up to 97 percent, in comparison to refining mined or primary materials1. One kilogram of Verdium saves over thirty metric tons of carbon, enabling customers to verify their carbon reduction, track progress to their sustainability goals and help lower their Scope 3 emissions. UL Solutions has provided independent, third–party validation of the physical chain of custody and mass balance accounting of Verdium.

To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.basf.com/ecms.

1 Source: Sphera Solutions GmbH (2022): GaBi Database Edition 2022, SP37

About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever–new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.

Media Relations contact:
Betsy Arnone
Phone: +1 973–519–9808
betsy.arnone@basf–catalystsmetals.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9030038)

Oitenta países participam da Mesa Redonda Ministerial

RIAD, Arábia Saudita, Jan. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O Future Minerals Forum (FMF) anunciou hoje que sua Mesa Redonda Ministerial, a ser realizada em 9 de janeiro de 2024, antes da terceira edição do Fórum, deverá bater recordes de participação. Do total de 80 com presença confirmada até o momento, mais de 45 enviarão ministros para participar de discussões com as partes interessadas nessa reunião única, além de 20 organizações internacionais oficiais, 30 organizações não governamentais e 13 associações comerciais.

Por ser a reunião de mais alto nível sobre minerais realizada no mundo, a Mesa Redonda representa um ponto de virada histórico para o setor mundial de mineração e metais, a contribuição da Super Região que se estende da África à Ásia Ocidental e Central e o papel de liderança do Reino nesse setor e nessa região.

A Mesa Redonda Ministerial é uma iniciativa de várias partes interessadas conduzida pelo governo e criada pela Arábia Saudita para melhorar a cooperação internacional na produção de minerais essenciais envolvidos na transformação do setor de energia. A reunião acontece em um momento em que o setor de minerais enfrenta desafios sem precedentes, gerados pela crescente demanda por minerais e metais de transição energética, em que todos os países estão empenhados em garantir cadeias de suprimentos estáveis.

Além disso, a Mesa Redonda Ministerial enfatiza a importância da colaboração para enfrentar esse desafio global já previsto.

Sua Excelência, o Vice–Ministro de Assuntos de Mineração, Khalid Al–Mudaifer, salientou que o número de ministros que confirmaram presença na Mesa Redonda reflete o peso político e econômico do Reino e a crescente importância dos minerais nos últimos anos. Esse nível de participação demonstra que o FMF se consolidou como a principal plataforma global responsável por moldar o futuro dos minerais. Sua Eminência declarou: “A representação governamental de alto nível de países que produzem e consomem minerais significa que os governos de todo o mundo tomaram consciência da importância dos minerais e estão empenhados em garantir cadeias de suprimentos confiáveis para eles. Isso é particularmente relevante para os minerais estratégicos que são essenciais para os programas e projetos de transformação de energia e para os setores correlatos.”

A Mesa Redonda incluirá uma discussão sobre a concorrência que o mercado de metais está enfrentando em nível internacional e como criar espaço para que os países, em meio a essa concorrência, cheguem a um acordo mútuo.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000907098)

80 pays autour de la Table ronde ministérielle

RIYAD, Arabie Saoudite, 03 janv. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Le Forum sur les Minéraux du Futur (ou FMF) a annoncé aujourd’hui que sa Table ronde ministérielle, prévue le 9 janvier 2024 en amont de l’ouverture de la troisième édition de l’événement, devrait battre tous les records de présence. Sur les quatre–vingts pays ayant à ce jour confirmé leur participation, plus de quarante–cinq mandateront des ministres pour participer aux débats entre les participants de cette réunion unique. 20 organisations internationales officielles, 30 organisations non gouvernementales et 13 associations professionnelles ont également confirmé leur présence.

En tant que plus grand rassemblement sur les minéraux du monde, la Table ronde représente un tournant historique mondial pour le secteur des mines et des métaux, mais aussi pour la super région qui s’étend de l’Afrique à l’Asie occidentale et centrale, et plaide en faveur du leadership régional du royaume saoudien dans ce secteur.

La Table ronde ministérielle est une initiative multipartite à l’initiative du gouvernement et organisée par l’Arabie saoudite pour renforcer la coopération internationale en matière de production de minéraux essentiels à la transformation du secteur énergétique. Cette réunion se matérialise à l’heure où le secteur minier fait face à des enjeux sans précédent en lien avec la demande croissante de minéraux et de métaux induite par la transition énergétique, tous les pays s’efforçant de maintenir des chaînes d’approvisionnement stables.

En outre, la Table ronde ministérielle souligne l’importance de la collaboration pour anticiper ce défi planétaire.

S.E. le vice–ministre des Affaires minières, Khalid Al–Mudaifer, a observé que le nombre de ministres ayant confirmé leur présence à la Table ronde reflète le poids politique et économique du Royaume et l’importance croissante des minéraux ces dernières années. Un tel niveau de participation démontre que le FMF s’est imposé comme une plateforme mondiale de premier plan pour façonner l’avenir des minéraux. S.E. a déclaré : « Une représentation gouvernementale de haut niveau des pays producteurs et consommateurs de minéraux traduit la prise de conscience des gouvernements du monde entier envers l’importance des minéraux, à l’heure où tous cherchent à sécuriser des chaînes d’approvisionnement fiables, et notamment pour les minéraux stratégiques, essentiels aux programmes et projets de transition énergétique et aux industries connexes ».

La Table ronde prévoit un débat sur la concurrence, enjeu majeur du marché international des métaux, et envisage de réfléchir à la meilleure manière d’aboutir à un accord entre les pays.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000907098)

80 Länder nehmen an Ministeriellem Runden Tisch teil

RIAD, Saudi–Arabien, Jan. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Das Future Minerals Forum (FMF) gab heute bekannt, dass der Ministerielle Runde Tisch, der am 9. Januar 2024 im Vorfeld der dritten Ausgabe des Forums stattfinden wird, einen neuen Teilnehmerrekord aufstellen wird. Von den achtzig Ländern, die bisher ihre Teilnahme bestätigt haben, werden mehr als fünfundvierzig Minister entsenden, um an den Diskussionen mit den Interessenvertretern auf dieser einen Tagung teilzunehmen. Hinzu kommen 20 offizielle internationale Organisationen, 30 Nichtregierungsorganisationen und 13 Wirtschaftsverbände.

Als höchstes Treffen zum Thema Mineralien in der Welt stellt der Runde Tisch einen historischen Wendepunkt für den globalen Bergbau– und Metallsektor, den Beitrag der Superregion, die sich von Afrika bis West– und Zentralasien erstreckt, und die Führungsrolle des Königreichs in diesem Sektor und in der Region dar.

Der Ministerielle Runde Tisch ist eine von Saudi–Arabien ins Leben gerufene, von der Regierung geleitete Multi–Stakeholder–Initiative zur Verbesserung der internationalen Zusammenarbeit bei der Gewinnung kritischer Mineralien für die Transformation des Energiesektors. Das Treffen findet zu einer Zeit statt, in der der Mineraliensektor vor noch nie dagewesenen Herausforderungen steht, die durch die steigende Nachfrage nach Mineralien und Metallen für die Energiewende bedingt sind, und in der alle Länder um die Sicherung stabiler Lieferketten ringen.

Darüber hinaus unterstreicht der Ministerielle Runde Tisch die Bedeutung der Zusammenarbeit bei der Bewältigung dieser zu erwartenden globalen Herausforderung.

S.E. Vizeminister für Bergbauangelegenheiten, Khalid Al–Mudaifer, hob hervor, dass die Anzahl der Minister, die ihre Teilnahme am Runden Tisch zugesagt haben, das politische und wirtschaftliche Gewicht des Königreichs und die zunehmende Bedeutung von Mineralien in den letzten Jahren widerspiegelt. Diese Teilnehmerzahl zeigt, dass sich das FMF als führende globale Plattform für die Gestaltung der Zukunft von Mineralien etabliert hat. S.E. erklärte: „Die hochrangige Vertretung von Regierungen aus Ländern, die Mineralien produzieren und verbrauchen, bedeutet, dass sich die Regierungen in der ganzen Welt nun der Bedeutung von Mineralien bewusst sind, da sie versuchen, zuverlässige Lieferketten für sie zu sichern. Dies gilt insbesondere für die strategischen Mineralien, die für Programme und Projekte zur Energiewende und die damit verbundenen Industrien von entscheidender Bedeutung sind.“

Bei dem Rundtischgespräch wird es auch um den Wettbewerb gehen, den der Metallmarkt auf internationaler Ebene erlebt, und um die Frage, wie inmitten dieses Wettbewerbs Raum für eine Einigung der Länder untereinander geschaffen werden kann.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000907098)

ينعقد في الرياض في 9 يناير القادم بحضور 80 دولة: رقم قياسي للوزراء المشاركين في الاجتماع الوزاري الثالث للوزراء المعنيين بشؤون التعدين

الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية،, Jan. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

أكد بيان صحفي لوزارة الصناعة والثروة المعدنية أن الاجتماع الوزاري الدولي الثالث للوزراء المعنيين بشؤون التعدين سوف يشهد تمثيلًا غير مسبوق من حيث عدد الوزراء المشاركين فيه؛ حيث من المنتظر مشاركة أكثر من 80 دولة أكدت مشاركتها في هذا الاجتماع حتى الآن، منها 45 دولة ممثلة برتبة وزير، بالإضافة إلى 20 منظمة دولية رسمية، و30 منظمة غير حكومية و13 اتحادا للأعمال.

وتعد هذه المشاركة قياسية بالنظر إلى التقاء الوزراء المعنيين بشؤون التعدين مع أصحاب المصلحة في اجتماع واحد، ما يمثل، بحسب بيان الوزارة، منعطفاً تاريخياً لقطاع التعدين والمعادن العالمي ومساهمة منطقة التعدين الكبرى الممتدة من أفريقيا إلى غرب ووسط آسيا، والتأكيد على دور المملكة القيادي في هذا القطاع وهذه المنطقة.

ويهدف الاجتماع الوزاري الدولي الثالث، الذي ينعقد في 9يناير2024 في الرياض، ويتفرد مؤتمر التعدين الدولي بانعقاده، إلى تعزيز التعاون الدولي حول إنتاج المعادن الاستراتيجية التي تدخل في تحول قطاع الطاقة القطاعات التقنية الحديثة، وتسليط الضوء على إمكانات المنطقة التعدينية الكبرى، من خلال النقاش وتبادل الأفكار والخبرات بين ممثلي الحكومات من الوزراء والمسؤولين رفيعي المستوى والمنظمات الدولية في الأمم المتحدة والاتحادات التجارية والأعمال لمنتجي المعادن وكذلك المنظمات غير الحكومية المهتمة بالاستدامة والتنمية المجتمعية، لوضع أسس التنمية المستدامة لصناعة المعادن في العالم، واستغلال إمكانات المنطقة الهائلة، بالإضافة إلى بناء القدرات وجعل صناعة المعادن محركًا رئيسًا لتحقيق التطور الاقتصادي والاجتماعي عالميًا.

وفي تصريح لمعالي نائب الوزير لشؤون التعدين، المهندس خالد المديفر، أكد على أن عدد الوزراء الذين أكدوا حضورهم للاجتماع يعبر عن الثقل السياسي والاقتصادي للمملكة وينم عن الأهمية المتزايدة للمعادن في السنوات الأخيرة، ويدل هذا الحضور الكبير على أن مؤتمر التعدين الدولي رسخ مكانته باعتباره منصة عالمية رائدة لتشكيل مستقبل المعادن، كما أن وجود تمثيل حكومي رفيع المستوى، من الدول المنتجة والمستهلكة للمعادن، يعني أن جميع الحكومات من مختلف دول العالم باتت تدرك ما تكتسبه المعادن من أهمية في الوقت الحاضر، حيث تسعى الدول إلى تأمين سلاسل توريد موثوقة للمعادن، لاسيما المعادن الاستراتيجية التي تدخل في برامج ومشاريع تحول الطاقة والصناعات المرتبطة“.

وأضاف معاليه أن منطقة التعدين الكبرى لديها القدرة بأن تمد العالم بالمعادن اللازمة لازدهاره ونموه، حيث من المنتظر أن تلعب دوراً رئيساً في توفير ما يقدر بنحو 3 مليارات طن من المعادن الاستراتيجية اللازمة لإنشاء البنية اللازمة التي يحتاجها العالم لتحقيق أهداف الحياد الصفري من الانبعاثات.

ومن ضمن ما سيناقشه الاجتماع القادم المنافسة التي يشهدها سوق المعادن على المستوى الدولي وإفساح المجال بين الدول، في خضم هذه المنافسة، للتعاون فيما بينها باعتبار أن ذلك هو السبيل الوحيد لتوفير ما تحتاجه كافة دول العالم من المعادن، في الوقت الذي يمكن للبلدان المنتجة، من خلال هذا التعاون، خلق قيمة محلية عالية من مواردها المعدنية تدفع بمجتمعاتها إلى مزيد من التطور والازدهار.

وفي هذا السياق سيتم النظر، خلال الاجتماع، في الخطوات التي تم اتخاذها لتحويل المناقشات إلى منطلقات عملية على أرض الواقع عبر المبادرات الأربع الرئيسة التي تم تحديدها في الدورة السابقة من الاجتماع الوزاري، والتي اشتملت على وضع مبادئ لإنشاء إطار تعاون دولي للمعادن الاستراتيجية، وتطوير مراكز إقليمية للتميز للمساعدة في بناء القدرات، وبناء أطر بيئية ومجتمعية ومقاييس شفافة للتأكد من الاستفادة الكبرى للمنطقة من النمو المتوقع في استخراج وإنتاج المعادن، وإنشاء مراكز لتصنيع المعادن الخضراء في المملكة وفي المنطقة تقوم في أعمالها على تسخير تقنيات الطاقة النظيفة.

يذكر أن مؤتمر التعدين الدولي الذي تبدأ جلساته وفعالياته خلال الفترة من 10–11 يناير المقبل، هو تجمع عالمي لمناقشة مستقبل المعادن ومستقبل التعدين في العالم وكيفية زيادة مساهمة المنطقة الكبرى، التي تمتد من أفريقيا إلى غرب ووسط آسيا. وسيشارك في جلساته، هذا العام، 220 متحدث من بينهم كبار الرؤساء التنفيذيين لأكبر شركات التعدين والشركات ذات العلاقة بقطاع المعادن والتمويل. ومن المتوقع حضور ما يقارب 13 ألف مشارك في المؤتمر.

انتهى

للتواصل:

عمر شيرين

Omar.shereen@fleishman.com

+966 50 663 0489


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000906717)

80 countries participate in Ministerial Roundtable

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) announced today that its Ministerial Roundtable, due to be held on 9 January 2024, ahead of the third edition of the Forum, is set to break attendance records. Of the eighty countries so far confirmed to attend, more than forty–five will be sending ministers to take part in discussions with stakeholders in this one meeting, in addition to 20 official international organizations, 30 non–governmental organizations and 13 business associations.

As the highest level gathering on minerals in the world, the Roundtable represents a historic turning point for the global mining and metals sector, the contribution of the Super Region extending from Africa to West and Central Asia, and the Kingdom’s leadership role in this sector and region.

The Ministerial Roundtable is a government–led multi–stakeholder initiative created by Saudi Arabia to enhance international cooperation on producing critical minerals involved in transforming the energy sector. The meeting comes when the mineral sector faces unprecedented challenges driven by the increasing demand for energy transition minerals and metals, where all countries are racing to secure stable supply chains.

Furthermore, the Ministerial Roundtable promotes the importance of collaboration to address this anticipated global challenge.

H.E. Vice–Minister for Mining Affairs, Khalid Al–Mudaifer, highlighted that the number of ministers who had confirmed their attendance at the Roundtable reflects the political and economic weight of the Kingdom and the increasing importance of minerals in recent years, this level of attendance demonstrates that FMF has established itself as a leading global platform for shaping the future of minerals. H.E. stated, “High–level government representation, from countries producing and consuming minerals, means that governments from across the world are now aware of minerals’ importance, as they seek to secure reliable supply chains for them. This is especially relevant to the strategic minerals that are essential to energy transformation programs and projects, and related industries.”

The Roundtable will include discussion of the competition that the metals market is witnessing at international level and how to create room for countries, in the midst of this competition, to reach agreement between themselves.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000906717)

O Future Minerals Forum amplia o debate global sobre a transição para a energia limpa

RIAD, Arábia Saudita, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O Future Minerals Forum (FMF), previsto para ocorrer de 9 a 11 de janeiro, em Riad, na Arábia Saudita, anunciou hoje três novas parcerias estratégicas para promover o discurso global sobre minerais e seu papel fundamental no desenvolvimento global sustentável e na necessidade de transição para novas fontes de energia. As novas parcerias com o CRU Group, a Global AI e a Wood Mackenzie fornecerão inteligência de negócios e insights em uma série de estudos a serem publicados antes da realização do FMF. Elas complementam as parcerias atuais com a McKinsey & Company, o Payne Institute for Public Policy, a Clareo–DPI e o Baker Institute.

A Wood Mackenzie está iniciando um estudo fundamental para identificar o potencial da Super Região. O documento identificará os principais motivadores para a criação de cadeias de valor sustentáveis, além de salientar os desafios atuais enfrentados pelos minerais globais e como eles impactam o setor de minerais nessa área rica em recursos. Esse relatório servirá como um guia essencial para as partes interessadas, estabelecendo o que pode ser alcançado por meio da colaboração governamental e de mercado, à medida que a região procura desbloquear seu potencial de recursos para viabilizar ainda mais a transição energética.

A Global AI está pronta para fazer uma análise abrangente do sentimento global usando inteligência artificial de última geração, com foco em operações de mineração e minerais em toda a Super Região. Essa análise tem como objetivo esclarecer a percepção da sociedade para subsidiar o diálogo acerca dos papéis que os governos, o setor privado e a sociedade civil devem desempenhar a fim de garantir a licença social para atuar, assegurando que as operações de mineração tragam benefícios tangíveis às comunidades locais e minimizem o impacto sobre o meio ambiente.

Enquanto isso, o relatório do CRU destacará a urgência de abordar os gargalos minerais críticos no cumprimento das metas climáticas, com foco no Oriente Médio, na África e na Ásia Central como importantes fornecedores futuros.

Juntas, esses insights se alinham à missão do FMF de permitir o desenvolvimento de setores minerais sustentáveis, colocar a Super Região na vanguarda do debate global sobre minerais e orientar práticas de mineração responsáveis. O FMF, como uma plataforma governamental composta por várias partes interessadas, tem como objetivo catalisar o diálogo entre líderes do setor, legisladores e partes interessadas para promover o progresso na direção de um futuro mais sustentável e próspero com relação ao desenvolvimento mineral.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000906248)