On June 15, the first workshop was held to discuss challenges and opportunities around investment possibilities between the EU and Canada across the entire non-energy extractive industry (NEEI) value chain. The workshop was attended by critical members of the NEEI value chain who are potential future partners in the endeavor. 

A top priority for the European extractive industry is keeping workers as safe as possible. To do that, companies must make health and safety more than just a priority – it must be deeply embedded in the culture of an organisation. 

On 29 May, European Council unanimously agreed on the Council Conclusions proposed by the Maltese Presidency. Industry Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska stated in a press conference: “We all agreed on some key horizontal actions to be taken. We also agreed that we need some sectoral focus where it’s necessary” and concluded: “we are now much stronger equipped for the future discussions on the coherent unified industrial policy document in the European Commission”. 

Mining companies that have been eager to make the move from diesel to electric vehicles underground are now a big step closer to that goal. The Global Mining Standards and Guidelines Group (GMSG) and the Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) recently published a best practice guide for battery electric vehicles in underground settings.