Martin Pittuck - Keynote
On 21 October 2025 Martin Pittuck, Corporate Consultant (Mining Geology) at SRK Consulting (UK), delivered a thought-provoking keynote at the MINEX Europe Forum. His address, reflecting on a decade of mining activity in Europe, explored the changing dynamics of the industry, highlighted challenges, and identified opportunities for growth.
A Decade of Change in the Mining Sector
Pittuck started by framing the past decade in the context of major global challenges, including the climate crisis, growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, and geopolitical tensions. He noted that the mining industry is no longer just an industrial activity but a cornerstone of Europe’s energy autonomy and climate resilience.
Critical Minerals and Rising Demand
The importance of critical minerals—especially battery metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements—has become a central theme in recent years. Pittuck pointed out that these materials are now at the forefront of discussions, driven by the rise of green technologies and the electrification of transportation. He also highlighted specific commodities such as tungsten, which has reached an all-time high due to global tensions, and gold, which remains a key focus for investors.
Slower Project Advancements and Legal Challenges
Pittuck noted that despite the growing demand for minerals, mining projects in Europe have been advancing at a slow pace. He attributed this to several factors, including anti-mining sentiment, insufficient stakeholder engagement, and an increase in legal challenges. He highlighted examples like the Jadar lithium project in Serbia and Dalradian gold mine in Northern Ireland, which have been held up due to legal and community opposition. This cautionary tale pointed to the complex regulatory environment faced by explorers and developers.
Promising Hotspots and European Geology
Despite these setbacks, Europe remains a mineral-rich continent with vast geological potential. Pittuck presented a map of Europe highlighting key metallogenic provinces—regions where significant mineral deposits are found due to tectonic activity. He focused on promising areas such as:
- Scandinavia, with projects like Kirin (the world’s largest underground iron mine) and Ikari (a significant gold deposit).
- The Iberian Peninsula, rich in tin, tungsten, lithium, and other base metals.
- Serbia and the Tethyan belt that stretches through Eastern Europe, known for substantial copper deposits.
These regions, alongside historical mining activities, suggest Europe has vast untapped potential.
Investing in Mining and Exploration
Pittuck discussed the significant investments made in mining exploration across Europe, with Nordic countries like Finland and Sweden leading the way. He cited Finland’s Kittilä gold mine and Sakatti nickel-cobalt project, as well as Sweden’s Bedrock and Kiruna mines, as examples of successful, high-investment ventures. He also noted that the UK has seen increased investment in tin and lithium projects, and Spain has focused on base metals and tungsten.
Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement
Sustainability was a key theme in Pittuck’s address, with growing emphasis on responsible mining practices and the importance of stakeholder engagement. He noted that Europe’s mining laws have modernized to incorporate sustainability and social responsibility. He highlighted the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC), which now requires projects to consider sustainability aspects when reporting mineral reserves. This shift is intended to ensure that mining projects in Europe meet the highest environmental and social standards.
Technological Advances and Innovation in Mining
Pittuck also pointed out the significant technological advancements in mining, particularly in electrification and mine efficiency. He mentioned LKAB’s goal to develop rare earth elements from tailings and the Terrafame project’s innovative low-carbon heat bleaching technology. Additionally, electric mining equipment is becoming more common, especially for underground operations, driven by environmental concerns and the need for more socially acceptable practices.
Investment Opportunities and the Critical Raw Materials Act
The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) was also a focal point, with Pittuck acknowledging the European Commission’s efforts to accelerate mineral exploration and production within Europe. However, he expressed caution, noting that while the CRMA aims to limit permitting times and encourage strategic projects, real progress is yet to be seen. The challenge remains to balance environmental regulation with the need for timely, strategic mineral extraction to meet Europe’s green transition goals.
Future Outlook for European Mining
Looking ahead, Pittuck expressed optimism about Europe’s ability to reemerge as a significant mining hub. Europe boasts excellent geology, tier-one investment opportunities, and a mature infrastructure for mining. However, he warned of several ongoing hurdles, including:
- Permitting delays and bureaucratic challenges.
- Skills shortages in the mining sector, which slow project development.
- The need to modernize exploration and licensing systems to keep pace with global competition.
Despite these challenges, Pittuck is hopeful that Europe can leverage its rich geological resources, combined with the Critical Raw Materials Act and improved technological solutions, to position itself as a leader in sustainable mining and mineral processing in the coming decades.