The European Commission has awarded EIT RawMaterials and InnoEnergy a groundbreaking new project, the Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Facility, aimed at bolstering Europe’s supply chains, reducing dependencies, and mitigating disruption risks. Coordinated by EIT RawMaterials, the initiative seeks to build a resilient and sustainable supply of critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese by strengthening global partnerships and advancing international projects to diversify Europe’s raw materials sources.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO and Managing Director of EIT RawMaterials, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Securing a stable supply of critical raw materials is not just vital for Europe’s industrial competitiveness—it is essential for European security. As we race toward 2030, we must turn ambition into action.” He highlighted that resilient supply chains require strong global partnerships and expressed pride in leading the initiative, leveraging EIT RawMaterials’ expertise in mining, recycling, and advanced materials.
A dedicated team from EIT RawMaterials and InnoEnergy will identify and assess CRM projects in regions including Africa, Latin America, Central and Southeast Asia, Southeastern Europe, and Greenland. These projects will be evaluated for their strategic value to Europe and opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships between host communities and European industries.
Baptiste Buet, Director of the EU Business Unit at InnoEnergy, noted, “A value chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For batteries, securing sustainable raw materials is critical to the success and stability of a rapidly developing European industry.” He added that while domestic mining, refining, and recycling are essential, the CRM Facility underscores Europe’s commitment to securing global resources for battery cell manufacturers.
The CRM Facility will also focus on developing mid-to-downstream mineral value chains in partner countries and delivering specialized training programs to equip professionals with expertise in CRM management, operations, and sustainable practices.
