The rock formations in these areas are Outokumpu-type rock assembles, which are known to contain copper, cobalt, zinc, nickel, silver, and gold (Cu-Co-Zn-Ni-Ag-Au).

“We are delighted that, after a rigorous review process dating back to 2020, the authorities have finally granted us the new exploration permits for the Hietajärvi and Saramäki mineralisations. This decision not only strengthens Eurobattery Minerals’ project pipeline, but also reinforces Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical raw materials, supporting the energy transition, digitalization, and defence industries. We look forward to delivering concrete results in the field and creating value for our shareholders as we move toward,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

The Saramäki mineralisation was discovered in 1967 by Outokumpu Oyj and it is located in Polvijärvi, Eastern Finland. It lies approximately 40 km away from Outokumpu town, where our Hautalampi battery mineral project is located. Co/Ni ratios of the mineralisation and historical exploration work clearly indicate that the Saramäki is an undoubted example of an Outokumpu-type mixed hydrothermal mineralisation system with massive-semimassive and disseminated sulphides. A non-compliant historical resource estimate calculations have been made for the Saramäki mineralisation and it could contain the amounts stated below.

Calculation Saramäki year 1980
A non-compliant historical resource estimate: 3.4 Mt @ Cu 0.71%; Zn 0.63%; Co 0.086%; Ni 0.05%; Fe 17.87%; S 12.39%. Cut-off 0.5% Cu
UNFC Classification Class 334: Cu 24,140t; Co 2,924t; Zn 21,420t; Ni 1,700t; S 421,260t; Fe 607,580t.

“Securing these exploration permits is great news for FinnCobalt and Eurobattery Minerals. We can now apply modern geophysical surveys and targeted drilling in these areas, advancing our understanding of its polymetallic potential and laying the groundwork for resource definition” said Kalle Penttilä, Project Geologist at the Hautalampi battery mineral project in Outokumpu.

The Hietajärvi mineralisation is documented to be an Outokumpu-type mixed hydrothermal system with massive and disseminated sulphides. Outokumpu Oyj investigated the region between 1955 and 1994 completing multiple exploration campaigns and pilot plant tests. Outokumpu Oyj ultimately defined a mineralised body consisting of two, nearly E-W trending sulphide lodes dipping 40-50°S. The lodes are 200 meters (E-lens) and 100 meters (W-lens) in length and have thicknesses varying between 3 meters and 20 meters. The prospect has seen little advanced exploration work completed at the prospect subsequent to Outokumpu Oyj.

Calculation Hietajärvi year 1994
A non-compliant historical resource estimate: 0.341Mt @ 0.15% Co; 0.7% Cu; 1.2% Zn; 0.18% Ni (2.33% CuEq)
UNFC Classification Class 334: Co 512t, Cu 2421t, Zn 4126t, Ni 614t

Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt, added: "These regions are well known to contain Outokumpu-type rock, famous for Cu-Co-Zn-Ni-Ag-Au. Both of these areas are very interesting and have the potential to become future polymetallic sources. In these times of geopolitical tensions and intense resource competition, these new mineralisation's could be particularly relevant for Europe highlighting the copper criticality for the future.”

The assessment report mainly highlights one aspect as to why the Company was not granted status as a Strategic Project and this is related to Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, and more concretely, to the reference documentation of the EIA. The EIA is the principal part of the Environmental Permit Application (EPA), which the Company submitted in April 2024. We are collaborating with the different Finnish authorities on local and state level throughout the whole EPA procedure.

“We are thankful for having received such a detailed and constructive assessment report from DG Grow about our CRMA application. Seeing that the main reason for rejection of our application was an aspect that we already have been working on for quite some time, made the decision about reapplying easier. According to us, these possible issues are being solved at this very moment, and we are ready to reapply as soon as the European Commission opens a new call. With the current geopolitical situation, Europe urgently needs more strategic projects to secure the supply of critical raw materials,” said Roberto García-Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

The EPA supplement will be submitted in the upcoming months, which according to the Company should resolve the issues raised in the assessment report from the European Critical Raw Materials Board at Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG Grow), and which were related to the recommendations in the EIA reasoned conclusion.

“At FinnCobalt, we are committed to developing the Hautalampi project in full compliance with Finnish and EU environmental regulations and the highest ESG standards, ensuring sustainability through continuous monitoring, impact mitigation, and responsible resource management. We acknowledge the concerns raised in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and have already been working actively to address them through rigorous technical assessments and improved environmental planning,” said Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt Oy.

In the above-mentioned assessment report, DG Grow also invites the Company to reapply at a future cut-off date of calls for Strategic Projects under the CRMA.

Our conclusion is that the criteria in question is/can be resolved and therefore Eurobattery Minerals will reapply for Strategic Project status, via our subsidiary FinnCobalt Oy, as soon as the European Commission announces a new cut-off date for calls. The Company will inform the stakeholders accordingly via another press release.

"Being recognized as one of the largest undeveloped projects for cobalt and copper in Scandinavia is a strong validation of the potential of our Hautalampi project. As we can see from these lists, we could be one of the most important players in Europe for these critical raw materials. As Europe pushes hard for greater raw material independence, responsibly sourced cobalt and copper will play a crucial role in the green transition. This recognition is a big boost for us and further strengthens our commitment to advancing Hautalampi and contributing to a sustainable European battery supply chain,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

Our calculations state that our confirmed mineral reserves of cobalt at Hautalampi are:

• Measured and indicated 9.3 Mt; with a metal content of 6,200 t cobalt.

And in addition to this:

• Inferred resources of 3.4 Mt; with a metal content of 1,640 t cobalt.

With these resources, according to the independent source, we currently have the fifth biggest cobalt reserves (Hautalampi deposit) in Scandinavia, measuring by cobalt metal content 7,840 t.

The same calculations for copper are: Measured and inferred 9.3 Mt; with a metal content of 17,700 t copper.

In addition to Hautalampi, we have the nearby exploration area Saramäki, where early-stage calculations have been made, and it could contain the amounts stated below (these Saramäki figures are shown on the GTK mineral deposit and exploration website):
 
Resources: 3.4 Mt @ Cu 0.71%, Zn 0.63%, Co 0.086%, Ni 0.05%, Fe 17.87%, S 12.39%
Reserves (UNFC Classification): Cu 24,140t, Co 2,924t, Zn 21,420t, Ni 1,700t, S 421,260t, Fe 607,580t
 
"With only the measured and inferred resources, we are high up on these lists of undeveloped projects. This independent recognition highlights the significance of the Hautalampi project in securing a responsible and local supply of cobalt and copper for Europe. With the current geopolitical situation, projects like ours could be absolutely vital for Europe´s strategic autonomy in critical raw materials,” said Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt Oy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurobattery Minerals and owner of the Hautalampi battery mineral project.

The list has been published by the premier weekly newsletter Rock Report, dedicated to delivering in-depth exploration news, mining visuals, and cutting-edge data analysis, which provides a comprehensive look at the latest developments in exploration, geology, and mining.

Please use the links below to see the source of this information (Rock Report on LinkedIn):
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The EU Critical Raw Materials Act ("CRMA") was approved in May 2024, and in August 2024, Eurobattery Minerals announced that we would apply to obtains status as a Strategic Project under the CRMA. In the evaluation carried out by the EU Commission and which results were published today, the Hautalampi Project was, to our knowledge, not selected as a strategic project in the first round. All concerned applicants of projects in the EU will be notified individually in the coming days with more details about the assessment results.

The EU Commission received a high number of applications in this first round, a total of approximately 170 applications. These projects relate to different parts of the value chain such as extraction, processing and recycling. Applications have also included a large number of different minerals that are considered strategic, including rare earth metals, lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt. As we mentioned earlier, the Company has not yet received a detailed justification for why the Hautalampi battery mineral project was not designated as strategic.

This is not a setback—it’s a step forward. While our Hautalampi project was not selected as a Strategic Project in this first round of the CRMA call, reaching this stage highlights its importance for Europe’s battery mineral supply. The need for responsibly sourced nickel, cobalt, and copper in Europe is undeniable, we hear about it in the news every day. And our commitment to delivering these critical minerals remains stronger than ever. We will continue our hard work with the same dedication,
strengthening our project and look how we can refine the application for future calls under the CRMA, said Roberto García-Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

As soon as we receive the official communication from The Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), we will study the possible reasons for the rejection and refine the application for upcoming calls under the CRMA. It has been announced that further calls for Strategic Projects will be opened shortly. The Company will inform the market about possible new applications accordingly.

ABB Oy, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, and FinnCobalt Oy, a key player in the mining industry and part of Eurobattery Minerals AB, have signed a LOI as a first step to collaborating on a transformative project aimed at revolutionizing mining practices through EIAD.

A transformative vision for mining
Both ABB and FinnCobalt share an intention to:

• Develop an engineering, technical, and delivery framework for future mining operations.
• Leverage EIAD technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.
• Establish the foundation for a potential Supply Agreement, which would mark a long-term collaboration.

“This partnership embodies our vision to redefine mining through cutting-edge technology while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

Scope of Works
ABB will deliver a pre-study and technological evaluation covering key EIAD areas:

• Electrification: Including network calculations, compensation studies, and auxiliary power evaluations.
• Automation: Encompassing engineering rules, system diagrams, and cybersecurity solutions.
• Digitalization: Creating detailed database and system descriptions tailored for mining.
• Instrumentation: Standardizing monitoring equipment for accuracy and reliability.

Actionable insights and recommendations will enable FinnCobalt to integrate advanced technologies seamlessly into its mining operations.

At the forefront of responsible mining
“Our partnership with ABB will set a new industry standard by combining technological innovation with our sustainability objectives,” said Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt. “Together, we strive to create a mine that sets a new benchmark for responsible and sustainable resource extraction worldwide.”

"ABB is excited to collaborate with FinnCobalt on this important initiative which reflects our joint commitment to sustainability. We believe our combined expertise can pave the way for a more responsible and productive future for mining operations. We look forward to successfully working together”, said Fredrik Grankull, Local Business Line Manager, ABB Process Industries in Finland.

About EIAD in the mining industry
Technologies related to electrification, instrumentation, automation, and digitalization are reshaping the mining industry, offering benefits such as reduced environmental impact, enhanced worker safety, and improved operational efficiency. Through this collaboration, ABB and FinnCobalt – part of Eurobattery Minerals – aim to demonstrate the value of integrating EIAD solutions into mining, ensuring both profitability and sustainability.

About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

“At Eurobattery Minerals, we are continuously exploring innovative solutions that align with our mission to power a cleaner and more sustainable future for Europe. The potential integration of carbon dioxide capture and storage into our mining operations in Finland represents a significant step forward in our commitment to carbon-neutral mining”, says Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals AB.

Carbon capture and storage in mine fill from Hautalampi
The CCS-project, which has been presented by the Outokumpu Industrial Park and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, would be made under the “Project for Rapid Structural Change”, funded by the Regional Council of North Karelia in Finland.

Over the coming years, the estimated volume of mine backfill of the Hautalampi battery mineral mine—which annually will be some 200,000 m³—presents a great opportunity for carbon dioxide sequestration and storage. The technology is based in the backfill system that will be used at the Hautalampi mine. The setup is under investigation and the R&D will be performed by the Outokumpu Industrial Park.

This initiative aligns with regional carbon neutrality goals and has the potential to set a new industry standard for integrating greenhouse gas sequestration into mining operations. Additionally, the approach could establish a novel business model for emissions trading, developed collaboratively with the stakeholders involved in the research.

Using carbon dioxide as cement
By utilizing carbon dioxide in mine backfill, the need for cement in mining operations could be reduced, potentially enhancing the properties of the cement as well.

Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt Oy comments: “By transforming backfill into a carbon sink, we can reduce emissions while enhancing the sustainability of resource extraction. This initiative demonstrates that mining can be part of the solution to global climate challenges, not just a contributor. The success of such a project would not only advance our environmental objectives but also create new opportunities for the region. And it´s an exciting example of how the mining industry can innovate to meet the needs of both society and the planet.”

The Hautalampi mine could be an important carbon sink
Underground mines like the Hautalampi battery mineral project could become vital “carbon sinks” on a global scale—producing valuable minerals while simultaneously capturing and storing carbon dioxide. This dual benefit advances the sustainable development goals of the mining industry and highlights the transformative potential of innovative environmental practices.

Roberto García Martínez concludes: “Eurobattery Minerals is proud to lead the way in responsible and sustainable mining practices, ensuring that Europe becomes self-sufficient in battery minerals while setting new standards for environmental stewardship.”

Link to the official announcement from Outokumpu Industrial Park

FinnCobalt, owned to 100% by Eurobattery Minerals AB, is actively participating in the BATCircle Project. This is a Finnish initiative which focuses on improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the country´s battery value chain, adding value to Finnish battery materials and also the refining and recycling sectors.

“Our participation in the BATCircle projects reflects Eurobattery Minerals' dedication to advancing sustainable, circular solutions for the battery industry. This collaboration has not only strengthened Finland’s role as a leader in the battery value chain but also aligns perfectly with our mission to drive responsible mineral production in Europe. By working alongside industry and academic leaders, we are contributing to vital innovations in recycling, refining, and environmentally conscious practices that will support Europe’s transition to a sustainable and self-sufficient battery ecosystem,” says Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

The first phase of BATCircle (2019-2021) was followed by BATCircle2.0 (2021-2024), and this is when FinnCobalt entered the project. The second phase broadened its focus to cover the entire chain – from resource exploration and mining to refining, processing, and recycling of battery components. This project united Finnish businesses and research institutions, with additional guidance from an international advisory board to strengthen its influence across Europe and globally.

The third phase of the project has just been announced and it comes at a time when Europe is adapting to the CRMA and battery demand is growing exponentially. Business Finland has granted the BATCircle Consortium with 13.4 million euros for the next three years. BATCircle3.0 represents one of the most relevant and timely research areas as it targets the material transition in energy storage and is especially focused on battery materials refining and battery recycling. FinnCobalt is a full member of the BATCircle Consortium.

After six years of collaboration and research, the BATCircle Project has positioned Finland as a global leader in the lithium-ion battery supply chain and strengthened the cooperation between companies and research organizations in Finland.

Some highlights of the BatCircle Project, 2019-2024:

• The whole value chain: From exploration and mining to refining, processing, and recycling of battery materials.
• Strong focus on ESG: Recognized for its environmental, social, and governance standards.
• Significant research output: Over 80 peer-reviewed articles, 45+ theses, and numerous conference presentations.

The involvement of FinnCobalt strengthens Eurobattery Minerals’ commitment to sustainable battery mineral production and collaboration across industry and academia. The project operates under Business Finland's “Batteries from Finland” programme and aligns with EU goals for responsible and circular battery materials production, positioning FinnCobalt and Eurobattery Minerals at the forefront of sustainable mineral development in Europe.

Link to the official announcement from the BATCircle Consortium: https://www.aalto.fi/en/news/battery-demand-is-growing-exponentially-batcircle30-provides-a-leap-in-battery-material-and

Eurobattery Minerals CEO Roberto García Martinez says executing the agreement with an industry major such as Boliden is a significant milestone for the Company.

"Today is an extraordinary day for Eurobattery Minerals, for the Outokumpu Municipality and for the future of responsible mining in Europe. It´s a fantastic achievement for the team at the Company and the offtake agreement with Boliden creates the right conditions for the planned carbon-zero production of critical raw materials at our battery mineral project in Finland. During our negotiations with Boliden, we have established a close relationship and we are looking forward to a fruitful future collaboration. Boliden is a very important partner that has increased its efforts and ambitions for Europe and the Nordics. Their strategic focus and vision are well in line with our own goals and values. This was the first step in the process and we continue to work on possible offtake agreements for nickel and cobalt," continues Roberto García Martínez.

Information about the 10-year non-binding offtake agreement
The agreement with Boliden has been entered into by our Finnish subsidiary FinnCobalt Oy, which is owned to 100% by Eurobattery Minerals. The accord is a long-term purchase agreement for the Hautalampi concentrates. In the evaluation, Boliden has assumed an agreement for the full copper concentrate production and a long-term duration of minimum 10 years. The concentrates will be handled by Boliden Harjavalta Copper Smelter in Harjavalta, Finland and/or the Boliden Rönnskär Copper Smelter located in Rönnskär, Sweden.

About the Hautalampi Battery Mineral Project
The Hautalampi project and its mineralization is located 345 km from Helsinki, in the well-known Outokumpu Mining Camp Area. The mineralization is located in the same region as the well-renowned Keretti mine where approximately 28.5 million tonnes of copper ore were mined between 1912–1989. The project consists of one mining concession covering 277 hectares with exposure towards cobalt, nickel, and copper. A pre-feasibility study from 2023 indicates that Eurobattery Minerals will produce around 500,000 tonnes of ore from the underground mine per annum, with an expected mine life of +12 years. The minerals resources have been classified in the highest categories as viable mining projects according to UNFC and the Environmental Permit Application was submitted at the end of April 2024.

About Boliden AB
Boliden's vision is to be the most climate-friendly and respected metal provider in the world. The company is a European producer of sustainable metals. They operate within exploration, mines, smelters, and recycling, guided by their values which are care, courage, and responsibility. Boliden has around 6,000 employees and has annual revenues of approximately SEK 80 billion. The share is listed in the Large Cap segment of NASDAQ OMX Stockholm.

I´m very pleased that we have now finished the acquisition process. This process started back in spring 2020 and since then we have put in a significant effort at the Hautalampi battery mineral project, for example, a positive pre-feasibility study and being classified in the highest categories as viable mining projects in the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC). All this hard work was crowned by the submission of the Environmental Permit Application at the end of April this year. All this means we are perfectly on track to start the mining operations at the Hautalampi project as soon as the EPA is approved,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

The Hautalampi project in brief
The Hautalampi project is located near Outokumpu, Finland, in the same spot as the well-renowned Keretti mine where approximately 28.5 million tonnes of rock with a copper content of 3.8 per cent were mined between 1912–1989. The project consists of one mining concession covering 227 hectares with exposure towards nickel, cobalt, and copper, and a nearby reservation. The area benefits from well-developed surface and underground infrastructure as well as strong local support for mining. An estimated EUR 10–15 million had been invested in the project by previous owners before the project was assumed by Eurobattery in the spring of 2020. In June 2021 Eurobattery was able to increase the project’s measured, indicated, and inferred resource tonnage by approximately 100 per cent and the metal content by approximately 50 per cent. In October 2022, the Company was able to confirm a further increase in the metal content of approximately 40 per cent. On 20 March 2023, the Company published a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) for the Hautalampi project which highlighted the opportunities and potential challenges of advancing the development of the Hautalampi deposit. On the 29th of April 2024, the Company announced that the environmental permit application had been submitted to the Finnish Regional State Administrative Agency. In May, Eurobattery Minerals also communicated that that the Company will apply for the battery mineral project Hautalampi to become a Strategic Project under the new EU Critical Raw Materials Act.

“We have just submitted the Environmental Permit Application to the Finnish Authorities and with that crucial step and this acquisition, we have taken one big stride closer to start the mining operations in Outokumpu. The pre-feasibility study showed that the economic outlook for the battery mineral mine in Finland is strong,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

Financial details of the stake acquisition
The Board of Directors of Eurobattery Minerals has informed the three founders and initial owners of FinnCobalt that the Company will exercise the third option of the investment and shareholder agreement entailing the option to acquire FinnCobalt in a staged process which was entered into on 11 May 2020 and which became effective on 27 May 2020. This means that Eurobattery Minerals, before 27 July 2024, should exercise said option by paying a total cash amount of EUR 300,000 and issuing shares in Eurobattery Minerals amounting to a value of EUR 1,000,002 to the three founders of FinnCobalt. These two actions will be taken parallelly and simultaneously. The cash part of the consideration will be paid from the Company’s cash. The share part of the consideration will be paid through a directed issue of shares. The subscription price in the directed share issue will correspond to the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s share on NGM Nordic SME during the ten trading days preceding the issue decision.

Effects of the acquisition

• Eurobattery Minerals will acquire 30 per cent of the shares in FinnCobalt. The Company’s stake in FinnCobalt will thereby increase from 70 per cent to 100 per cent of the capital and the votes.
• The stake acquisition of FinnCobalt is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2024. FinnCobalt is expected to be consolidated into Eurobattery Minerals’ financial statements from the date of admission.
• As the owner of all shares in FinnCobalt, Eurobattery Minerals will have full control over the resolutions of the Board in FinnCobalt.
• Eurobattery Minerals will also have the right, but no obligation, to nominate the Chairman of the Board and two ordinary Board members and their personal deputy members in FinnCobalt.

The Hautalampi project in brief
The Hautalampi project is located near Outokumpu, Finland, in the same spot as the well-renowned Keretti mine where approximately 28.5 million tonnes of rock with a copper content of 3.8 per cent were mined between 1912–1989. The project consists of one mining concession covering 227 hectares with exposure towards nickel, cobalt, and copper, and a nearby reservation. The area benefits from well-developed surface and underground infrastructure as well as strong local support for mining. An estimated EUR 10–15 million had been invested in the project by previous owners before the project was assumed by Eurobattery Minerals in the spring of 2020. In June 2021 Eurobattery Minerals was able to increase the project’s measured, indicated, and inferred resource tonnage by approximately 100 per cent and the metal content by approximately 50 per cent. In October 2022, the Company was able to confirm a further increase in the metal content of approximately 40 per cent. On 20 March 2023, the Company published a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) for the Hautalampi project which highlighted the opportunities and potential challenges of advancing the development of the Hautalampi deposit. On the 29th of April 2024, the Company announced that the environmental permit application had been submitted to the Finnish Regional State Administrative Agency. In May, Eurobattery Minerals communicated that that the Company will apply for the battery mineral project Hautalampi to become a Strategic Project under the new EU Critical Raw Materials Act.