This Week in Mining — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Anti-dumping duty on ferro-silicon imports extended; CBAM default values corrected; New ESG ratings technical standards enter into force; State aid for Slovenian battery storage approved.
July 26, 2026 to August 01, 2026
Anti-dumping duty on ferro-silicon imports extended; CBAM default values corrected; New ESG ratings technical standards enter into force; State aid for Slovenian battery storage approved.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
European Commission
Commission approves €59 million Slovenian State aid scheme to promote battery energy storage systems
On 30 July 2026, the European Commission approved a €59 million Slovenian State aid scheme focused on battery energy storage systems, designed to support the integration of renewables in line with the Clean Industrial Deal. The aid, notified under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted 25 June 2025, will be granted as direct investment grants to projects installing at least 370 MWh of new stand-alone storage capacity, financed by the Just Transition Fund and the ETS Modernisation Fund. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and found it necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to accelerate the net-zero transition, with aid allocation linked to investment costs per project before 31 December 2030. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, provided a statement welcoming the Slovenian initiative. The non-confidential decision is listed under case SA.122160 in the State aid register.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Definitive anti-dumping duty imposed on ferro-silicon from Russia and China (expiry review)
On 27 July 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1794 (CELEX: 32026R1794), renewing definitive anti-dumping duties on ferro-silicon imports from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China following an expiry review under Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036. The regulation maintains duties of 15.6%–31.2% for China and 17.8%–22.7% for Russia, referencing the continued risk of recurrence of dumped imports and injury for the Union industry. Market analysis showed significant unused capacity and price differentials, with the Union market remaining attractive. The measures are immediately applicable.
Correction to CBAM default values for minerals and metals
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1740 of 20 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1740) retrospectively amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2621, rectifying Annexes I and IV relating to default values under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The corrections address missing or erroneous production route indicators, clarify benchmark methodologies, and adjust country/product nomenclature to ensure compliance with the scope of Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as amended.
Definitive anti-dumping duty on ferro-silicon: expiry review procedure detailed
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1794 details the expiry review process for anti-dumping measures on ferro-silicon, including methodology for constructing normal value, use of Brazil as representative country for benchmarks, and arrangements for customs application. Application of individual company duties is linked to invoice presentation under Article 1(3).
ESG ratings technical standards adopted
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/871 of 21 April 2026 (CELEX: 32026R0871), published 28 July 2026, sets regulatory technical standards supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3005 on ESG rating activities. The rules specify disclosure elements for ESG rating products, methodologies, and organisational structure, required from 2 July 2026. The standards follow input from ESMA and public consultation.
Sanctions list concerning Democratic Republic of the Congo updated
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1880 of 28 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1880) amends Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005, updating restrictive measures in line with UN decisions. Two individuals and one entity are added to Annex I following the UNSC Committee’s listing of 14 July 2026.
CFSP sanctions list on the Democratic Republic of the Congo amended
Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1877 of 28 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1877) amends Decision 2010/788/CFSP, adding two persons and one entity to the list of targets for sanctions concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo as decided by the UN Security Council Committee.
