PERMITS

[scep]

Only 8 days until we are in the second quarter of the calendar year.

And we all know what is due to be announced sometime in the second quarter

Hi WTM, while I like what you are implying we have to be realistic that it is not in Talga's hands anymore. Talga has done all it can. Now the bureaucrats, institutions and politicians are in charge and they are limited./ruled by their laws and regulations and yes, here it comes, by market forces and public opinion. The latter is, in this case, a strong positive for us.
So, my take on the planning provided by Talga is, that this Q2 is the earliest possibility permits will be issued. I put my money on this year.
What I am looking for are the preparations to process the ore when the mining actually starts. Like orders/deliveries of ABB equipment, recruitment of staff, infra development, etc.

 

[teilenswert]

What makes you think we will see permits in the second quarter? Basically it was Talga themselves claiming that permits might be granted/denied in that time horizon, wasn't it? But we don't know if it was more or less their best guess or whether they had justified reasons for this assumption. Or do we know official deadlines set by the authorities?

 

[scep]

What makes you think we will see permits in the second quarter? Basically it was Talga themselves claiming that permits might be granted/denied in that time horizon, wasn't it? But we don't know if it was more or less their best guess or whether they had justified reasons for this assumption. Or do we know official deadlines set by the authorities?

My take is that Talga's guess is not more than just that and expect the permits to come later this year. Why this year? Well, because of pressure from the industry which will be in dire need of quality anode materials. Of course, the world will look different in a few more months when the impact of the war is going to hit Europe. Demand of the expensive EV's will be under pressure imho.

 

[Semmel]

My take is that Talga's guess is not more than just that and expect the permits to come later this year. Why this year? Well, because of pressure from the industry which will be in dire need of quality anode materials. Of course, the world will look different in a few more months when the impact of the war is going to hit Europe. Demand of the expensive EV's will be under pressure imho.

That is my impression as well. The time frame was posted based on the assumption the permitting process takes 1 to 1.5 years. Its not in Talgas control. We will be (hopefully) pleasantly surprised one day and that will be that. When its going to be, its hard to predict. This year seems likely. But its equally not a guarantee.

 

[teilenswert]

I agree with you. The deadline that Talga meets has yet to be invented. But I expect that we will indeed reach some crucial milestones within the next 12 months and hopefully the share price will then be at a complete different level.

 

[cosors]

For those wondering what the difference is between SGU and Bergsstaten:

"SGU does not decide on a processing concession

After some media published incorrect information that SGU is responsible for supervision of the Swedish mining industry, SGU is now making a clarification.
SGU's role in society's decision on new mines is limited to SGU being the authority that designates national interests for mineral deposits, as SGU did with the iron ore deposit in Kallak in 2013.
It is Bergsstaten, under the leadership of Bergmästaren, which exercises some supervision of mining activities, and which decides on exploration permits and processing concessions (permits for processing mineral deposits).
Bergsstaten is organizationally part of SGU, but is independent in its decisions and directly responsible for the decisions before the government, just as SGU is responsible to the government for its activities.
Source: SGU." https://www.bergsmannen.se/nyheter/e/5439/sgu-beslutarinteom-bearbetningskoncession/


reminder: normally, the application for a processing concession is submitted first. If this is granted, normally or in the past, the environmental permit is applied for at the Land and Environment Court.
We filed this at the same time and through the Kallak case, important consultation issues were already integrated into the first stage of the permits (processing concession).

 

[Micreg]

Major permitting milestone:

https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02512309-6A1087556?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4

 

[cosors]

I stumbled across an interesting detail. This is about how politics empowered itself to decide in the Cementa matter. The government can now issue temporary permits itself if it sees fit. At least that's how I understand it.

"To avoid the risk of a cement shortage, the government has enacted a law that allows temporary exemptions in the Environmental Code and opens the possibility for the government to issue a temporary permit."
https://www.tn.se/naringsliv/brattom-nar-cementa-soker-nytt-tillstand/

 

[Semmel]

I stumbled across an interesting detail. This is about how politics empowered itself to decide in the Cementa matter. The government can now issue temporary permits itself if it sees fit. At least that's how I understand it.

"To avoid the risk of a cement shortage, the government has enacted a law that allows temporary exemptions in the Environmental Code and opens the possibility for the government to issue a temporary permit."
https://www.tn.se/naringsliv/brattom-nar-cementa-soker-nytt-tillstand/

Ohh wow this is super positive for us. In principle, eeeeeeveryone should be on our side. The greens, the blacks, even the socialists. The Sami should be happy that talga takes their concerns seriously and works out a compromise. The Sami should take the talga approach, go to LKAB and Beowulf and tell them, that's how it should be. Because talgas approach is so much better then the other guys. In practice, there are some nutcases that rather would want everyone to live in caves. But really, these are a tiny minority. I am feeling very positive about the process. And also, the time was always a best guess with Q2 this year, being Q3 for the Curt hearing is perfectly fine.

 

[cosors]

"Thursday 21 AprWeather 10°
SWEDEN

Talga one step closer to a graphite mine in Vittangi

Talga is a planned graphite mine in Vittangi - but a so-called anode factory for batteries is also planned in Luleå. Here Martin Phillips, European Director of the Talga Group, is seen on the left at an event in Luleå earlier in April. Photo: Erik Simander

UMEÅ. Talga's permit application for the establishment of a graphite mine in Vittangi, Kiruna, will be taken up by the Land and Environmental Court this autumn. This was announced by the court on Thursday.

The graphite deposit is seen as one of the highest quality in Sweden, but the operation will affect the Sami villages in the area who previously appealed Talga's test drilling


The Talga Resources graphite mine in Vittangi is the next big project waiting for all permits to be completed. It is considered one of the highest quality graphite deposits in Sweden, and the company recently inaugurated its factory in Luleå to process the graphite from Kiruna. Now the company is another step closer to a start-up.

On Thursday, the Land and Environmental Court in Umeå announced that the company's permit application has been notified and that a main hearing may take place as early as this autumn.

Talga has applied to mine 120,000 tonnes of graphite per year, and last autumn began a trial mining operation with a plan to mine 25,000 tonnes. Demand for graphite has increased considerably as a result of climate change, as the mineral is important for the manufacture of batteries for electric cars, for example. Northvolt's factory is currently being built in Skellefteå.

But like Kallak and other mines, the operation will affect the Sami villages in the area. In the past, Gabna and Talma Sami have appealed against the company's test mining in Vittangi on the grounds that the scale of the test mining was unusually large, and that it would have a major impact on the environment in the area, which is also located in a Natura2000 area.

The Land and Environmental Court, in agreement with the County Administrative Board, rejected the Sami villages' appeal in February last year."
--------------------------------------------------- Interesting, isn't it? ------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.dn.se/sverige/talga-ett-steg-narmare-en-grafitgruva-i-vittangi/

 

[cosors]

Almost analogous to the article before, but the attention is increasing. First the opening and quickly followed by the announcement of the hearing. And as the post suggests, more and more things are now changing for the better.
In the meantime, I hope and expect the processing concession. That would be a strong signal! If I'm completely wrong, everything will be granted at the same time. But I can't imagine that.

"Graphite mine in Vittangi will be tested this autumn​

LULEÅ. Another mining project takes a step towards realization. Talga's environmental application to mine graphite in Vittangi will be processed in the autumn.
Published: April 21, 2022, 3:24 p.m.

Prolonged application processes are a constant source of concern and irritation for the heavy industry. But recently, several well-known projects have taken steps towards realization.

The steel company H2 Green Steel will have parts of its application processed in the Land and Environmental Court in Umeå already in June. At the end of August, Kauni's iron is next, the company has applied to expand its mine in Pajala.

It is now also clear that Talga will have its project tested this autumn. The company wants to mine graphite in a deposit in Vittangi in Kiruna municipality. The raw material will be used for the production of battery anodes in a facility planned in Luleå. Natural graphite gives far smaller climate footprints than synthetic graphite. The project is one of a few in Sweden that focuses on metals used in batteries.

In connection with the negotiations this autumn, a visit will be made to the site where the company wants to establish a mine."
https://www.di.se/nyheter/grafitgruva-i-vittangi-provas-till-hosten/

 

[cosors]

"Talga's project continues​

LULEÅ Battery anode company Talga Group can proceed with its plans for graphite mining in Nunasvaara outside Vittangi.
April 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.Updated: April 24, 2022 at 3:36 p.m.
The first step in the process has now been taken as the Land and Environment Court has announced Talga's permit application for mining in Nunasvaara. The court has drawn up a preliminary timetable for when the main hearing in the case can be held.
The Land and Environment Court wants to receive opinions in connection with the application no later than 23 June 2022. Site visits and the main hearing will take place during the autumn of 2022.
- We are very happy to have made progress in a matter that is not only important to us but to the entire conversion to electric vehicles in Europe. This follows from several years of hard work and we look forward with confidence to the remaining parts of the decision-making process, says Talga's European Manager Martin Phillips.
Talga's graphite project at Nunasvaara south is estimated to be able to supply the market with 19,500 tonnes of finished anode material per year for 24 years. This corresponds to the battery capacity of 400,000 newly produced electric cars each year. At the same time, Talga is planning for a future expansion of the business to be able to deliver 100,000 tonnes of anode material per year.
Talgas' production of 100,000 tonnes of graphite ore per year can be compared with Boliden's Aitik mine, which mines more than 100,000 tonnes of ore per day.
The application for quarrying of graphite was submitted in May 2020 and concerns Talga's first planned phase for graphite extraction in Vittangi. Battery anode production will take place in Luleå. In parallel, Talga has also submitted an application for a processing concession to the Bergsstaten authority. The two permits are the most important cornerstones when applying for the establishment of a mining business."
https://affarerinorr.se/nyheter/2022/april/talgas-projekt-gar-vidare/

_________________
added

"The Environmental Court's announcement is a big step forward for Talga​

NEWS April 21, 2022 Text: Mikael Svensson Photo: TALGA

The Environmental Court in Umeå has announced the battery anode company Talga's permit application for the graphite project Nunasvaara Södra. This means that the first step in the environmental permit process at the court has been completed. The court has also produced a preliminary timetable according to which the main hearing in the case may be held in the autumn of 2022. The application submitted in May 2020 concerns Talga's first planned sub-phase on graphite extraction in Vittangi. Battery anode production will in turn take place in Luleå.

Talga's graphite project is estimated to be able to supply the market with 19,500 tonnes of finished anode material per year for 24 years. This corresponds to the battery capacity of 400,000 newly produced electric cars each year. At the same time, Talga is planning for a future expansion of the business in order to be able to deliver 100,000 tonnes of anode material per year."

 

[Affenhorst]

Talgas' production of 100,000 tonnes of graphite ore per year can be compared with Boliden's Aitik mine, which mines more than 100,000 tonnes of ore per day.

To me this rather sounds like a "cannot be compared"... There is a factor of 365 between the two. Anyway, I hope and assume that the much lower magnitude will make the decision easier.

 

[cosors]

To me this rather sounds like a "cannot be compared"... There is a factor of 365 between the two. Anyway, I hope and assume that the much lower magnitude will make the decision easier.

Yes, I see it that way too. The comparison comes from Talga SE, perhaps to illustrate the contrast to the locals. Aitik is just around the corner and there were protests.

 

[cosors]

from the ann/bot thread, fits better here
-----------------------
Here is the translation of the letter of the court.
Do not be surprised about Finland, the river Torne also flows through Finland or forms the border. As far as I can tell, the comments from Finland have already been submitted. So this is already done. The cross-border consultation is necessary because of the EU legislation. But I take this as a sign that things are moving forward. I can try to compare this with other cases, for example the one gold miner. Then maybe I can find out how long it will take to get a verdict.

I would like to emphasize that this is about the large and more difficult to obtain environmental permit and not about the processing concession that, for example, Beowulf has just received. They have to start preparing their report now and then submit the application. And if they were just as fast as we are, which they are not, then they will also get such a letter in 2024 as we do now.
This is absolutely clear evidence that Talga's strategy of submitting both applications at the same time has worked! This announcement is the proof. This is the first time in Swedish history, as far as I know. I'm not sure but I think we have Ms. Utsi to thank for that.
Who knows, maybe we will hear something from Bergsstaten soon.

If perhaps some are disappointed, I'm not at all. On the contrary, I am surprised! If you compare this milestone with history, it's a very fast process that Talga has started. Because it can't be overestimated, they have made an official announcement. Sit back and just wait
__________________________________________________________________________________________


"Application for authorisation to conduct mining activities etc. at Nunasvaara Södra in Kiruna municipality
Talga AB has applied to the Umeå District Court, Land and Environmental Court, for a permit under the Environmental Code for mining activities etc. at Nunasvaara Södra west of Vittangi in Kiruna. municipality.

The application concerns authorisation to conduct mining activities in the form of mining and enrichment of up to 120 000 tonnes of graphite ore per year in open-cast mines on the property Stenbrottet 2:1 in Kiruna municipality. The application also covers authorisation to construct and operate the facilities and otherwise take the measures necessary for the operation, including authorisation for the storage of grey rock, enrichment sand and sludge, backfilling of grey rock, enrichment sand and sludge in excavated open-cast mines and extraction of morainic rock for post-treatment purposes. The application also includes authorisation for the discharge of inflowing water from open-cast mines, the construction of sedimentation and clarification basins, the discharge of surface water from Hosiojärvi, the construction of trenches and authorisation to construct and operate facilities necessary for water operations. Talga AB has also applied for a Natura2000 permit.

The activity is subject to the requirements for specific environmental assessment under Chapter 6 of the Environmental Code. An environmental impact assessment has been submitted. According to Chapter 6. 40 of the Environmental Code, it is stated that consultation with Finland will take place. The application will also be published in Finland.

The water activities are said to affect the properties Kiruna Stenbrottet 2:1 and Kiruna Vittangi 21:2 and 43:5.

Comments on the application and the environmental impact statement must be submitted in writing by 23 June 2022 at the latest. Comments should be sent to Umeå tingsrätt, mark- och miljödomstolen, Box 138, 901 04 Umeå or by e-mail mmd.umea@dom.se. Include full contact details and preferably also an e-mail address in the opinion. Please also state the court's case number M 1573-20. Requests for compensation should preferably be made in writing within the same time limit and at the latest at the court's forthcoming main hearing. The court may reject later claims unless they are based on observations made at the hearing or other circumstances arising during the main hearing.

The documents in the case are available at the Court and at the office of Kristoffer Baas, the court registrar, Municipal Office, Kiruna Municipality, Stadshustorget 1, Kiruna, telephone 0980-701 04.

Summonses and other notices are published in Norrländska Socialdemokraten and Norrbottens Kuriren.
Umeå District Court, Land and Environmental Court"
https://www.domstol.se/globalassets...ngsratt/umea-tr-m-1573-20-aktbil-155-kung.pdf

___________________
And don't we get almost twice as much graphite out of the 120kt as we need for the 19.5kt/a anodes? But others know better about that. Perhaps someone can calculate this for us...

 

[Semmel]

Wow thank you! It is a very good development! And i totally agree with your interpretation, it indeed looks like that. We should also think about the implications for the Niska expansion where we have filed for the mining concession but not the environmental permit. Which could come way earlier now than before!

 

[cosors]

"The government wants to see more mines - can change legislation on Natura 2000​

PUBLISHED TODAY 10:47
The government now wants to simplify the process of applying for a permit for new mines. Natura 2000 testing is proposed to take place in connection with environmental testing (as far as I know, this job is done by the municipal employees of Kiruna, I mentioned that they were overloaded with work) and not before a processing concession is in place.
- It has deterred many from trying to mine minerals in Sweden, says Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson (S).

The need for rare earth metals is great due to the large industrial investments in Sweden. The government now wants to increase mineral production and see more mines.
Today, the player who wants to open a new mine where a Natura 2000 area is affected needs to make an assessment before a processing concession is in place. Environmental assessment takes place at a later stage.
- It's like doing it twice. It has deterred many from trying to mine minerals in Sweden, says Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson (S).

The mine in Laver is highlighted as an example​

As an example, the Minister of Trade and Industry highlights Boliden's application for a processing concession for the copper deposit in Laver outside Älvsbyn.
Boliden stated in its application that it is too early in the process to make a Natura 2000 investigation, which led Bergsstaten to say no. Later in 2020, the government followed Bergsstaten's line.
Boliden appealed the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court, where the case is still pending.
The government is now appointing an inquiry to change the legislation, which will be ready on 28 February 2023.
- The requirements are the same. It is the time when the trial is to take place that is to change. There is no environmental downside to this proposal."
https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/n...vill-se-fler-gruvor-vill-andra-lagstiftningen



"The Natura 2000 test will not disappear but will be carried out in connection with the environmental test.

"We hope that this will make it much easier for companies to have a legally secure process and that they will not have to work twice, that they will not have to do this test on two occasions," says Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson (S)."
https://www.di.se/nyheter/beskedet-regeringen-vill-forenkla-for-nya-gruvor/

 

[cosors]

"Finally, the Natura 2000 trial is moved - the same protection, better process​

• 2022-05-06
• 13:49
• Novelty

The government is now tackling the Natura 2000 problem and abolishing the requirement for a Natura 2000 permit before a processing concession. This was announced by Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson at a press conference on Friday morning. The change is welcomed by the industry, which has requested this for several years.

- It is a very positive message. Several projects have stalled due to ambiguities in how the process should be conducted. The proposal is very good, without the environment being left behind in any way, says Maria Sunér, CEO of Svemin.

The change is a consequence of the high-profile Laver case, where Bergsstaten and later the government made the assessment that a Natura 2000 permit must be examined in connection with an application for a processing concession. It created a new and aggravating practice; a Natura 2000 permit would be required even before an application for a processing concession could be made. Already in April 2021, the Riksdag made an announcement to the government that they wanted to see a clarification that this would not be necessary.

- We are relieved that the government is now finally acting. A Natura 2000 test at a premature stage becomes almost cosmetic because it probably needs to be redone in connection with the next step, the environmental test. They had to make a large number of assumptions about the deposit, the land and the water, says Maria Sunér. It affected our status as an attractive mining nation in a clearly negative way.

The purpose of the new change that was presented on Friday is thus to change the law so that a Natura 2000 permit, in cases where such a permit is required, should not be a prerequisite for obtaining a processing concession.

- We do not mind strict environmental legislation, but the process must work efficiently and it is important to emphasize that the Natura 2000 test does not disappear but is instead done later in the process, says Maria Sunér.

- Our only criticism is that it took so long to decide on the change. There is enormous pressure on raw material issues right now, both to cope with the green transition where metal and minerals are absolutely crucial and also in view of the changing geopolitical situation in Europe.

Anything that can make it easier to meet the enormous demand is therefore welcome.

Another good news for the mining and minerals industry came earlier this week when the Riksdag on Thursday decided on another one-year covid extension of exploration permits . This is in light of the fact that during the corona pandemic it was very difficult to carry out the exploration work required by the Minerals Act to be able to proceed in the process.

FACTS - This means the proposal

Before a mine can be started, a number of different permits are required. Very simply, the process can be divided into three main steps. First, an exploration permit is required to obtain the exclusive right to prospect (examine the land). Thereafter, a processing concession is required . It gives the exclusive right to open a mine in the area. The last step is an environmental permit that is decided in court and which establishes the conditions for the mining operations. Only then can production start.

If a mining operation is deemed to affect a nearby Natura 2000 area , a special Natura 2000 permit is also required. What the government has now decided on is that a Natura 2000 permit should not be a requirement for stage two (processing concession). The content and scope of the Natura 2000 trial are not affected by the change and must be made in accordance with the same legislation, but it makes it possible for the trial to take place in connection with step three, ie. the examination of the environmental permit.

The change is implemented through an investigation, led by investigator Inge Karlström, councilor at Nacka District Court. The investigation must be reported no later than 28 February 2023. Thereafter, the changes may enter into force."
https://www.svemin.se/aktuellt/nyhe...a-2000-provningen-samma-skydd-battre-process/

 

[Semmel]

It's probably more relevant for our Niska expansion then. At least we died for the processing concession but i don't remember if we also filed a natura 2000 permit for Niska already? Going by the old rules, we should have done that but it appears Talga already broke with that rule. And now it's official (well 2023).

 

[cosors]

It's probably more relevant for our Niska expansion then. At least we died for the processing concession but i don't remember if we also filed a natura 2000 permit for Niska already? Going by the old rules, we should have done that but it appears Talga already broke with that rule. And now it's official (well 2023).

Unfortunately, we are not familiar enough with the regulatory process in detail. Perhaps the one permit is enough and this is then extended by application. It is about the same resource in a spatially very compact location. But I think the thing goes well and "fast" for us. Under the old scheme, we would not have gotten a hearing from the court if there had been no permit from Bersstaten. So they must have send signals to the Umea court. It is just unusual that we heard first from the court and not from the authority. I think as far as we are concerned, usual processes are abandoned. Since I first became aware of the problem, I have never been more confident. Maybe I should look for a new research spot and just let the matter run its course. We all know or suspect what will happen.