Ivanhoe Atlantic (IA), the latest venture by renowned mining mogul Robert Friedland, is reportedly lobbying the US government to include iron ore on the United States’ critical minerals list, aligning with the country’s strategic efforts to secure essential materials for defense manufacturing.
According to Mining.com, IA’s campaign reflects a broader U.S. initiative to fortify its defense supply chain. “You can’t build warships without high-quality, high-strength steel,” said Bronwyn Barnes, IA’s President and CEO, during a recent industry conference. “It’s time iron ore, particularly high-grade ore, was added to the list.”
IA is advancing two major high-grade iron ore projects in Guinea: the Nimba project, expected to produce 2–5 million tonnes later this year, and Kon Kweni, both known for exceptional ore purity. The Nimba project alone could ramp up to 25 million tonnes annually within seven years.
The push comes at a pivotal time, with Rio Tinto’s Simandou project—also in Guinea—scheduled to come online by late 2025, eventually delivering up to 120 million tonnes of premium iron ore per year.
IA argues that the U.S. lacks domestic high-grade iron ore, relying instead on low-grade ores and recycled materials, which undermines the competitiveness of its steel industry. Moreover, high-purity ore plays a vital role in green steel production, making IA’s assets strategically valuable in both defense and environmental contexts.
The company began lobbying the White House over two years ago, according to the Australian Financial Review, but is now intensifying its campaign.
Meanwhile, IA is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Australia, being one of the world’s top iron ore exporters with a mature capital market, was chosen as the optimal venue for the listing.
Friedland, known for iconic deals like the Voisey’s Bay nickel project and Mongolia’s Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, acquired the Kon Kweni rights in 2019. The IPO represents another bold move by Friedland to leverage Australia’s leadership in iron ore and critical minerals.
[Source – 上海有色网] 艾芬豪游说美国列铁矿石为关键矿产 https://news.smm.cn/news/103343232
