Chvaletice Manganese Project : Euro Manganese seeks strategic project status under EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act

Euro Manganese Inc. has officially submitted an application to secure Strategic Project status for its Chvaletice Manganese Project under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The CRMA, enacted in May 2024, aims to bolster the sustainable supply of raw materials deemed crucial for Europe’s economy and green transition.

Key Benefits of Strategic Project Status

Achieving Strategic Project designation would offer Euro Manganese several advantages. The designation could facilitate access to diverse financing sources, including national banks, EU institutions, regional and national funding bodies, and private financial entities. It would also streamline permitting processes by adhering to the CRMA’s deadlines, thus mitigating scheduling risks associated with project approvals.

The European Commission is anticipated to reveal the initial list of Strategic Projects by December 2024, making this application a critical step for Euro Manganese.

Dr. Matthew James, President & CEO of Euro Manganese, emphasized the significance of this application:

“Submitting our application for Strategic Project status under the CRMA for the Chvaletice Project is a significant milestone for Euro Manganese. Achieving Strategic Project designation would enhance our role in the EU’s raw materials value chain, provide access to government-backed funding, enable collaboration with EU institutions, and accelerate permitting. This announcement reflects our dedication to becoming the sole integrated European producer of high-purity manganese for the battery supply chain.”

Chvaletice Manganese Project: A Pioneering Initiative

The Chvaletice Project, located in the Czech Republic, represents a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation effort by reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. This project is notable as the only significant manganese resource within the European Union, positioning Euro Manganese to play a crucial role in supplying the battery supply chains with essential raw materials. This initiative aligns with the global shift towards a circular and low-carbon economy.

In addition to the Chvaletice Project, Euro Manganese is exploring an early-stage opportunity to produce battery-grade manganese products in Bécancour, Québec, further solidifying its commitment to advancing battery materials production.