Latest news with #Aylward
Irish Independent
01-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Trump tariffs of 15pc create ‘serious uncertainty' for Tipperary's pharma sector
'The confirmation of a 15pc tariff on Irish and EU pharmaceutical exports to the US has introduced serious uncertainty for key sectors in County Tipperary,' said Michelle Aylward, chief executive of County Tipperary Chamber. 'While it replaces the threat of even higher tariffs, it marks a major shift from the previously tariff-free status and creates concern across our pharmaceutical and supply chain members. 'Tipperary is uniquely exposed due to the presence of major multinational employers and local suppliers. Any increase in cost or disruption to trade could have direct consequences for jobs, manufacturing output, and long-term investment decisions in the region. 'Right now, the biggest challenge is the lack of clarity. Behind the headline figure lies a complex and still-unsettled deal with many unanswered questions. 'When will the tariffs actually take effect and how will they be applied? Will there be exemptions or carve-outs for specific drug categories? 'The fact that tariffs could increase again if the US deems the EU to have fallen short of broader targets is especially concerning,' said Ms Aylward. 'This is not a balanced or stable trade structure. We urge the Irish Government and European Commission to demonstrate clear leadership in seeking timely, detailed answers. 'Business needs certainty to plan. It is essential that Ireland not only protects existing trade but also supports companies in exploring alternative markets particularly given the likelihood of prolonged volatility in US trade policy. 'This is more than a trade issue. We are now entering a new era of strategic competition one that demands foresight on trade, energy security, digital regulation, and defence policy. 'Ireland and the EU must be proactive in securing our industrial base and protecting jobs in communities like Tipperary. Clarity isn't just desirable - it's essential,' added Ms Aylward.
TimesLIVE
19-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Kodal expects Mali permit soon to export 27,000 tons of stockpiled lithium
Kodal Minerals expects to receive an export permit soon for 27,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate stockpiled at its Bougouni project in Mali, it said on Monday, having previously reported export delays because of regulatory hurdles. The delays have come against a backdrop of declines in global lithium production - potentially by 228,000 tons this year - as miners curtail operations in the face of falling prices for the metal used in electric vehicle batteries. "Discussions with the government of Mali on finalising the export permit for spodumene concentrate produced at Bougouni are continuing as planned and it is expected the permit will be received in the near future," Kodal said, adding that the company has a positive relationship with the Mali government. Chief executive Bernard Aylward is in the West African country reviewing operations, which the company says continue normally. Kodal, which launched production in February, has agreed to sell its entire output to China's Hainan Mining, Aylward has told Reuters.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kodal Minerals faces regulatory hurdles in Mali, halting lithium concentrate exports
Kodal Minerals, a British mining company, is unable to export more than 20,000 tonnes (t) of lithium concentrate from its Bougouni lithium project in southern Mali due to regulatory challenges, disclosed CEO Bernard Aylward to Reuters. This situation arises amidst a global decline in lithium production, which is set to fall by approximately 228,000t this year, partly due to plummeting metal prices. The delay is attributed to Malian officials examining a pricing mechanism to ensure the spodumene concentrate from the company's Bougouni project is sold at current market rates. In February 2025, Kodal Minerals produced the first lithium oxide spodumene concentrate at its Bougouni project. The company has a standing agreement to sell its entire output to Hainan Mining of China. Aylward said: "We are spending money to produce a product that we want to sell… Our buyer actually wants to buy it, [but] we can't export." Representatives from Mali's mining and trade ministries did not reply to Reuters' requests for comment. Aylward revealed that the company has been negotiating for final approvals since the previous year and is close to finalising its export permit, hoping to dispatch its first shipment by mid-June. Mali, traditionally known for gold production, is now focusing on exploiting its considerable lithium reserves. The country's military government is taking firmer control of the mining sector to increase revenue, which has included arresting foreign executives and seizing gold stocks during negotiations with multinational gold mining companies. Aylward added: "Other operations in Mali are also having delays in the export permits. It is not restricted to the Kodal team." "Kodal Minerals faces regulatory hurdles in Mali, halting lithium concentrate exports" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Kodal says Mali lithium exports blocked due to permit delays
Regulatory hurdles in Mali have left British miner Kodal Minerals unable to export more than 20,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate, its chief executive Bernard Aylward told Reuters. Kodal's blocked shipments come as global lithium production is already expected to drop this year — potentially by 228,000 tons — as miners curtail operations due to plummeting prices for the metal, used in electric vehicle batteries. Kodal, which launched production in February, has agreed to sell its entire output to China's Hainan Mining, Aylward said. "We're spending money to produce a product that we want to sell ... Our buyer actually wants to buy it, we can't export," he said. Spokespeople for Mali's mining and trade ministries did not respond to requests for comment.
Reuters
15-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Kodal says Mali lithium exports blocked due to permit delays
DAKAR, May 15 (Reuters) - Regulatory hurdles in Mali have left British miner Kodal Minerals (KOD.L), opens new tab unable to export more than 20,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate, its chief executive Bernard Aylward told Reuters. Kodal's blocked shipments come as global lithium production is already expected to drop this year - potentially by 228,000 tons - as miners curtail operations due to plummeting prices for the metal, used in electric vehicle batteries. Kodal, which launched production in February, has agreed to sell its entire output to China's Hainan Mining ( opens new tab, Aylward said. "We're spending money to produce a product that we want to sell ... Our buyer actually wants to buy it, [but] we can't export," he said. Spokespeople for Mali's mining and trade ministries did not respond to requests for comment. Long a major gold producer, the West African nation is seeking to develop its significant lithium reserves at a time when its military government is also asserting more control over the mining sector in a bid to generate more revenues. Malian authorities have arrested foreign executives and seized gold stocks as they negotiate with multinational gold miners. In Kodal's case, Aylward said officials have been scrutinising a pricing mechanism to ensure the spodumene concentrate produced at the firm's Bougouni project is sold at prevailing market rates. He said the company has been locked in negotiations for final approvals since last year and is now finalising its export permit in the hopes of sending its first shipment in mid-June. "Other operations in Mali are also having delays in the export permits. It is not restricted to the Kodal team," he added. China's Ganfeng Lithium ( opens new tab, which operates Mali's only other lithium mine, did not respond to a request for comment.
