This Week in Mining — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Anti-dumping duties on Chinese alkyl phosphonic acids; Voluntary sustainability reporting standard enters into force; Council meets on energy and raw materials.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Anti-dumping duties on Chinese alkyl phosphonic acids; Voluntary sustainability reporting standard enters into force; Council meets on energy and raw materials.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Establishing a framework of measures for the acceleration of industrial capacity and decarbonisation in strategic sectors and amending Regulations (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2024/1735 and (EU) 2024/3110.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
European Commission
EU and Philippines reach substantial agreement on Free Trade Agreement with raw materials provisions
On 21 September 2026, the European Commission announced a substantial agreement in principle with the Philippines on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque confirmed the accord following a video call. The deal includes provisions to eliminate tariffs on over 94% of tariff lines and covers more than 97% of bilateral trade. Notably, the agreement features transparent and ambitious provisions on energy and raw materials, aiming to facilitate sustainable investment, particularly in renewable energy. The parties will now finalise technical details ahead of formal conclusion.
Commission and Philippines issue joint statement on FTA with focus on supply chain resilience
In a joint statement on 21 September 2026, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Secretary Maria Cristina Roque welcomed the substantial conclusion of EU-Philippines FTA negotiations. The statement highlights the agreement’s potential to create new opportunities for businesses and reinforce the resilience of supply chains, including in critical raw materials. Both sides instructed negotiating teams to complete technical work, underlining the deal’s role in diversifying trade and investment ties.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese alkyl phosphonic acids and sodium salts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2088 of 18 September 2026, published on 21 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2088), imposes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of certain alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts from China. The investigation, launched in September 2025 under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, found dumping and material injury to the Union chemical sector. Duties range from 156.7% to 192.2% depending on the exporter. The regulation is directly applicable and collects provisional duties imposed earlier in 2026.
Authorisation of clinoptilolite of volcanic origin as feed additive
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2091 of 18 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2091) authorises clinoptilolite of volcanic origin as a feed additive for poultry for fattening, birds, piglets, and pigs for fattening. The authorisation, under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, follows a favourable EFSA opinion and is subject to safety conditions for users.
Voluntary sustainability reporting standard for undertakings below value chain threshold
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 of 3 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1560) establishes a voluntary sustainability reporting standard for use by undertakings protected by the value chain cap under Directive 2013/34/EU. The standard applies from financial years starting 1 January 2027, limiting reporting requirements for smaller suppliers, including many raw materials firms.
Council extends Russia-related restrictive measures with additional listings
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2165 of 24 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2165) amends Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 by adding one natural person to the list of entities subject to restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities. The regulation enters into force upon publication.
EU Council
Upcoming informal meeting of energy ministers to address raw materials and supply security
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of energy ministers on 28 September 2026, with energy and critical raw materials expected on the agenda.
