This Week in Mining — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission sends Statement of Objections on MMG-Anglo American nickel deal; New Union Customs Code adopted (2026/2108); Safeguard measure for silicon-electrical steel imports; Anti-dumping surveillance for titanium dioxide and batteries.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission sends Statement of Objections on MMG-Anglo American nickel deal; New Union Customs Code adopted (2026/2108); Safeguard measure for silicon-electrical steel imports; Anti-dumping surveillance for titanium dioxide and batteries.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission issues Statement of Objections on MMG's acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business
The European Commission communicated a Statement of Objections to MMG Limited on 15 September 2026 regarding its proposed acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business. The Commission's preliminary view is that the transaction could restrict competition in the supply of low-carbon ferronickel within the European Economic Area, which is an essential alloy in stainless steel production. The investigation, opened on 4 November 2025 under case M.11944, found that alternative supply sources for European customers are limited and that the target holds substantial market power. The Commission is concerned that, post-transaction, MMG, controlled by China Minmetals Corporation (CMC) and ultimately by SASAC, might divert ferronickel supplies to affiliated stainless steel producers. Stakeholders have been invited to respond, and MMG can request a hearing. The final decision deadline is 30 November 2026.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Union Customs Code: New Regulation establishes EU Customs Authority and Data Hub
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108, adopted on 16 September 2026, repeals and replaces Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 to establish a new Union Customs Code and creates the European Union Customs Authority. The new framework introduces the EU Customs Data Hub to modernise data exchange, risk management, and cooperation among customs authorities. The regulation responds to identified weaknesses in customs IT architecture, governance, and the handling of e-commerce transactions. It also addresses non-financial risks such as product safety, sustainability, and intellectual property. The regulation enters into force 12 months after publication, with certain provisions, including those on distance sales and the Customs Authority, applying from 1 July 2028.
EU updates anti-dumping surveillance on titanium dioxide imports following asset acquisition in UK
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064 of 17 September 2026 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/4 to introduce new TARIC codes for UK-based producers, following LB Group's acquisition of TiO₂ assets from Venator Materials UK Limited. The measure enables more granular monitoring of imports from Tioxide Materials Ltd and other UK producers. Imports under these new codes are subject to surveillance to prevent circumvention of anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin titanium dioxide, as required by Article 56(5) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013.
Provisional safeguard measure imposed on grain-oriented silicon-electrical steel imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133 of 18 September 2026 imposes a provisional safeguard duty and tariff-rate quotas on imports of grain-oriented flat-rolled silicon-electrical steel and related products. The regulation, effective for 155 days from 25 September 2026, responds to a significant increase in imports—particularly from China—which the Commission found to be injurious to Union producers. The measure covers both basic materials and downstream products, including those incorporated in transformers, and is designed to address overcapacity, trade diversion, and price undercutting in the EU market.
Harmonised battery standard published to support Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2048 of 14 September 2026 publishes the reference for harmonised standard EN 18060:2025 on the performance and durability of EV batteries, in support of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Batteries in conformity with this standard are presumed to meet the relevant requirements of the regulation. The decision enters into force on the date of publication.
Delegated Regulation amends deforestation-linked product list under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 of 13 July 2026 amends Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, updating the list of commodities and products subject to due diligence obligations related to deforestation and forest degradation. Changes include clarification and expansion of product codes for cattle, coffee, palm oil derivatives, and rubber, and the removal of certain leather and rubber articles. The amendments aim to improve legal certainty and prevent the relocation of deforestation risk.
Imports of primary batteries from China made subject to registration for possible anti-dumping duties
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2049 of 14 September 2026 directs customs authorities to register imports of primary cells and primary batteries of alkaline manganese dioxide from China under CN code 8506 10 11. The measure allows for retroactive levy of anti-dumping duties if warranted by the outcome of the current investigation, initiated on 2 July 2026 following a complaint by VARTA Consumer Batteries GmbH & Co. KGaA. Registration will expire nine months after entry into force.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council to discuss merger control guidelines and industry legislative proposals
On 24 September 2026, the Competitiveness Council will hold debates on the Chips Act 2.0 and revision of merger control guidelines. Ministers will also be informed about the Industrial Accelerator Act, the 28th Regime, and the European Competitiveness Fund.
Upcoming informal meeting of transport ministers scheduled for 20 September 2026
Transport ministers will convene informally under the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council on 20 September 2026.
