MINEX Forum

Tag: Critical raw materials

  • Portugal’s Urgent Need for National Exploration Programme Under EU Critical Raw Materials Act

    Portugal’s Urgent Need for National Exploration Programme Under EU Critical Raw Materials Act

    Opinion: Daniel de Oliveira, Head of Department at Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

    Portugal has long been an active participant in the European Union’s mineral resources policy and geological surveying initiatives. The timely implementation of the National Exploration Programme (NEP) is not just a regulatory requirement under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), but a strategic imperative for maintaining Portugal’s competitive edge in the European critical raw materials sector. The NEP is designed to provide a robust geological knowledge base essential for identifying, assessing, and promoting future mineral resource opportunities. This framework supports evidence-based decision-making for both public authorities and private investors.

    The implications of failing to initiate or execute the NEP are significant for Portugal, encompassing legal, strategic, and financial dimensions. As the CRMA is a binding EU regulation, non-compliance would expose Portugal to legal repercussions. However, the strategic consequences could be even more detrimental. The CRMA identifies national exploration programmes as vital for enhancing geological knowledge and pinpointing occurrences of critical and strategic raw materials. Without a proactive NEP, Portugal risks having a diminished evidence base for identifying and advancing future mining projects.

    Portugal is uniquely positioned among EU nations, boasting recognized potential for critical resources such as lithium, tungsten, copper, tin, and rare earth elements. A lack of systematic geological updates could hinder the country’s ability to contribute significantly to the EU’s ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050. While the CRMA does not explicitly tie funding to the existence of the NEP, investors and project developers heavily depend on innovative, pre-competitive data generated through national exploration efforts.

    The absence of a functioning NEP could lead to several adverse outcomes for Portugal: diminished attractiveness for mineral exploration investments, fewer opportunities to develop projects that could qualify as EU Strategic Projects, and a reduced capacity to engage with European initiatives like the Geological Service for Europe (GSEU) and related critical raw materials exploration initiatives.

    Given these potential consequences, the pressing question remains: how much longer can Portugal afford to delay the implementation of its National Exploration Programme?

  • EIT RawMaterials Proposes Strategic Model for European Critical Raw Materials Centre

    EIT RawMaterials Proposes Strategic Model for European Critical Raw Materials Centre

    The European Commission’s recent decision to establish a European Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Centre marks a significant step towards enhancing Europe’s raw materials policy framework and transforming it into industrial capability. EIT RawMaterials has expressed strong support for this initiative and is poised to take a leading operational role in its implementation, working under the strategic authority of the European Commission and Member States.

    In a newly published position paper, EIT RawMaterials outlines its vision for the CRM Centre, detailing how it can assist in translating Europe’s raw materials strategy into tangible industrial outcomes. The paper proposes a practical operating and delivery model for the CRM Centre, positioning EIT RawMaterials as a strategic partner and market-facing operational arm.

    Europe has already laid much of the necessary policy groundwork, with initiatives such as the Raw Materials Mechanism, CRMA Strategic Projects, RESourceEU, and the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan amplifying the urgency for coordinated implementation. EIT RawMaterials emphasises that the CRM Centre should not merely add another layer of policy or data but should instead connect strategic intelligence with markets, projects, and finance. This connection is essential for executing European priorities into concrete industrial actions.

    The proposed model is structured around four interconnected pillars: strategic intelligence, market formation, strategic value-chain delivery, and stage-gated finance and de-risking. Strategic intelligence will focus on combining market, project, technology, and geopolitical insights to identify vulnerabilities and set action priorities. Market formation aims to qualify supply and demand, aggregate buyer requirements, and develop independent price references to encourage investment. Strategic value-chain delivery seeks to address the ‘missing middle’ in Europe’s processing and refining capabilities, while stage-gated finance will align project stages with appropriate funding mechanisms.

    Additionally, strategic stockpiling and preparedness are highlighted as crucial components that would enhance Europe’s resilience against disruptions and foster more robust supply chains in the long term. EIT RawMaterials already possesses a solid foundation for delivery, with its Metal & Mineral Platform M2i integrating over 2.5 million verified data points for informed decision-making. The investment pipeline managed by EIT RawMaterials exceeds €25 billion, and the organisation has successfully deployed more than €700 million across over 800 projects and startups, mobilising an additional €8.3 billion in investment.

    With these existing capabilities, Europe is not starting from scratch in building a new delivery ecosystem. EIT RawMaterials is prepared to facilitate a swift transition from strategy to implementation for the CRM Centre, should it receive the mandate from the European Commission and Member States.

  • EU Grants €116 Million to EMILI Project for Lithium Supply Enhancement

    EU Grants €116 Million to EMILI Project for Lithium Supply Enhancement

    The EMILI project has secured a significant grant of €116 million from the European Union’s Innovation Fund, aimed at bolstering the EU’s domestic lithium supply chain. This funding initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to promote innovative low-carbon technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Innovation Fund, which is one of the largest funding programmes globally, is financed through revenues generated by the EU Emissions Trading System. It prioritises projects that demonstrate substantial European added value and contribute to the transition towards a sustainable economy.

    The EMILI project has been identified as a strategic initiative under the EU’s ‘Critical Raw Material Act’, highlighting its importance in ensuring a secure and resilient supply of lithium, which is essential for various applications including electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. By strengthening domestic capacities for lithium extraction and processing, the project aims to reduce the EU’s reliance on external sources of this critical raw material.

    The grant specifically supports the construction of a conversion plant in Saint-Victor, which is a key component of the EMILI project. This facility will play a crucial role in the EU’s clean tech manufacturing sector, contributing to the development of innovative technologies in energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, and carbon capture.

    As the EU continues to push for a green transition, projects like EMILI are vital in driving forward the agenda for sustainable resource management and climate action. The funding not only underscores the EU’s commitment to reducing emissions but also its recognition of the strategic importance of securing critical raw materials for future technological advancements.

  • EU’s Strategic Investment in Critical Raw Materials: A Pathway to Economic Security and Enlargement

    EU’s Strategic Investment in Critical Raw Materials: A Pathway to Economic Security and Enlargement

    The European Union (EU) is urged to link its economic security objectives with its enlargement strategy through strategic investments in critical raw materials (CRM) projects. This approach aims to achieve dual goals: enhancing the EU’s economic security while fostering development in enlargement partners. To ensure the success of these projects, public financing is deemed essential, alongside strict adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, as well as governance reforms in partner countries. While these initiatives may not eliminate the EU’s critical dependencies immediately, they are viewed as long-term investments crucial for the EU’s economic stability.

    The EU’s commitment to high standards is positioned as a means to maintain its credibility as a transformative actor in the region, countering narratives of neo-colonialism. The EUISS  study highlights the competitive landscape, noting that China has already established a significant presence in the Western Balkans’ mining sector, particularly through Zijin Mining’s control of major copper deposits in Serbia. Meanwhile, the US is expanding its mining interests in Ukraine, including the Dobra lithium project. The article warns that a short-sighted approach could lead to strategic failures for the EU.

    Moreover, the EU is encouraged to support projects that develop localized value chains, integrating mining, clean processing, advanced manufacturing, and recycling. This strategy aims to foster sustainable development in enlargement partners, moving beyond mere resource extraction to broader industrial development. The EU-Ukraine Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials, initiated in 2021, serves as a foundation for this approach, with an emphasis on localizing key stages of production to enhance value creation.

    Investing in local value chains is presented as a means to counter perceptions that the EU seeks to exploit partner societies for its own gain. By demonstrating that CRM partnerships can lead to sustainable development and shared economic security, the EU can strengthen its position in the region. The article also points out the importance of addressing processing monopolies held by external actors, which could leave Europe reliant on third parties despite increased extraction capacities.

    The EUISS  study concludes by reiterating that both economic security and enlargement are strategic objectives that must be approached with foresight. Given that new mines typically take over 16 years to reach production, the focus should be on long-term outcomes. Support for strategic CRM projects should be integrated into broader governance reform efforts, ensuring that the same standards of transparency and environmental protection that apply within the EU are upheld in partner countries. Only through this comprehensive approach can CRM partnerships bolster Europe’s economic security and the rationale for enlargement.

  • Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Strategy: From Regulation to Implementation

    Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Strategy: From Regulation to Implementation

    In the latest edition of the Critical Matters Newsletter, the focus is on the evolving landscape of critical raw materials in Europe, particularly in light of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This legislation aims to enhance the continent’s competitiveness and resilience by securing a reliable supply of essential raw materials necessary for the transition to a sustainable economy. The CRMA sets ambitious targets for 2030, including increasing domestic extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials, while reducing dependence on single suppliers. However, as Europe transitions from setting these goals to actual implementation, significant challenges remain.

    One of the primary hurdles is the lengthy and complex process of mineral exploration and mine development, which can take over a decade in Europe. Despite the CRMA’s provisions to expedite permitting for strategic projects, the reality is that many critical mineral resources have yet to be discovered. The article highlights the need for substantial investment in exploration, with estimates suggesting that the EU requires around €2 billion annually over the next five years to rebuild its exploration capacity. Currently, Europe accounts for only 3% of global exploration budgets, lagging significantly behind leaders like Canada and Australia.

    The newsletter also underscores that investment alone is insufficient; a coordinated approach involving policies, institutions, and industry collaboration is essential for building a resilient critical raw materials ecosystem. Examples from countries like Ireland and Canada illustrate how long-term investment and supportive policies can enhance exploration and development capabilities. Ultimately, Europe’s success in securing critical raw materials will depend on how effectively it can integrate policy, investment, and innovation to create sustainable and circular value chains.

  • Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Strategy: From Regulation to Implementation

    Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Strategy: From Regulation to Implementation

    The latest edition of the Critical Matters Newsletter highlights the evolving landscape of critical raw materials in Europe, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach beyond mere regulation. The European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aims to enhance supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy, setting ambitious targets for domestic extraction, processing, and recycling by 2030. Key benchmarks include achieving at least 10% of annual consumption for extraction, 40% for processing, and 25% for recycling, while limiting dependence on single external suppliers to 65% for any strategic material.

    However, the implementation of these goals faces significant challenges. The lengthy timelines for mine development, often extending 10 to 20 years, underscore the difficulty of discovering and developing new mineral resources. While the CRMA seeks to streamline permitting processes for strategic projects, the reality remains that legislative measures cannot hasten the exploration and development phases. Furthermore, the EU’s exploration investment lags significantly behind global leaders, with only 3% of global exploration budgets allocated to the region. To rebuild its exploration capacity, the EU is estimated to require around €2 billion annually over the next five years, a tenfold increase from current levels.

    The newsletter also highlights successful examples from countries like Ireland and Canada, which demonstrate how long-term investment, supportive policies, and collaboration between government and industry can strengthen the critical raw materials ecosystem. Ireland, for instance, has become a leader in exploration drilling within the EU due to its transparent licensing system and fiscal incentives. The report concludes that achieving Europe’s critical raw materials ambitions will necessitate a coordinated effort involving investment, innovation, and policy alignment to create resilient and circular value chains across the entire ecosystem.

  • Umicore Advocates for a Comprehensive EU Critical Raw Materials Centre

    Umicore Advocates for a Comprehensive EU Critical Raw Materials Centre

    Umicore has submitted a position paper to the European Commission, advocating for the establishment of a Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Centre in Europe that transcends mere joint purchasing and stockpiling initiatives. The company emphasises the need for the CRM Centre to focus on enhancing Europe’s refining, transformation, and recycling capabilities, which are crucial for the continent’s long-term resilience in the face of global supply chain challenges. The paper outlines key recommendations aimed at ensuring that the CRM Centre effectively addresses the unique characteristics of various critical raw material markets.

    Among the recommendations, Umicore suggests implementing a differentiated approach to joint purchasing and stockpiling, tailored to the specific needs of each CRM market. This approach would allow for more strategic investments through mechanisms such as offtake agreements, take-or-pay contracts, and contracts for difference. Additionally, the company highlights the importance of leveraging digital tools, such as Digital Product Passports, to enhance transparency regarding material flows and stocks within the European economy.

    Furthermore, Umicore calls for the introduction of new ‘anti-leakage’ measures to ensure that critical raw materials already present in Europe are refined and upgraded domestically before being exported. This would not only help retain value within European supply chains but also bolster the continent’s overall economic resilience. The proposed CRM Centre is envisioned as a pivotal entity that will monitor material flows and recommend corrective actions to prevent leakage, thereby reinforcing Europe’s position in the global raw materials market.

  • Unlocking Europe’s Geological Potential for Critical Raw Materials

    Unlocking Europe’s Geological Potential for Critical Raw Materials

    As Europe strives to secure its future in critical raw materials, a recent study underscores the urgent need for increased investment in mineral exploration. Currently, the European Union attracts a mere 3% of global mineral exploration investment, a stark contrast to Canada’s 20% and Australia’s 16%. This disparity highlights the challenges Europe faces in meeting its strategic objectives for the green and digital transitions, which are heavily reliant on a stable supply of critical raw materials.

    To align with these objectives, the study indicates that annual mineral exploration spending in the EU must surge from approximately €0.2 billion to €2 billion over the next five years. This tenfold increase is essential for Europe to enhance its role in securing the necessary resources for clean technologies, energy security, and industrial competitiveness. The geological potential within Europe is promising, with countries like Finland and Sweden already demonstrating that increased exploration activity is feasible and beneficial.

    However, unlocking this potential will necessitate a concerted effort involving long-term investments, supportive policies, and a collective commitment to establishing resilient and sustainable value chains. By fostering a more robust exploration environment, Europe can not only meet its current demands but also position itself as a leader in the global market for critical raw materials, essential for the future of its economy and environmental goals.

  • Nordic Innovation Launches Call for Proposals on Secondary Critical Raw Materials Value Chains

    Nordic Innovation Launches Call for Proposals on Secondary Critical Raw Materials Value Chains

    Nordic Innovation has announced a call for proposals aimed at developing industry-driven value chains for secondary critical raw materials (CRMs) in the Nordic region. With a budget of 10 million NOK ( €915,219.99), the initiative seeks to enhance the recycling and domestic supply of CRMs, which are essential for the green and digital transitions. The deadline for submission is set for 23 September 2026, with project funding ranging from 2 to 5 million NOK per project. The funding decision will be made in November 2026, with projects expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026 and run for a maximum of 36 months.

    The call for proposals is part of the Nordic Innovation programme, Innovative Solutions for 2030, which aims to accelerate the introduction of solutions for the green transition. The Nordic region is estimated to have around 900,000 tonnes of CRMs embedded in waste and industrial side streams, highlighting the untapped potential for recycling and resource recovery. However, the lack of functioning value chains poses a significant challenge, as many initiatives fail to progress beyond early-stage development. This funding opportunity aims to address these barriers by supporting projects that validate key assumptions in the value chain and bring together relevant actors across the industry.

    Eligible projects must focus on developing concrete value chains for secondary CRMs, such as those derived from batteries, electronic waste, and construction waste. The evaluation criteria for proposals will consider the project’s impact, relevance to Nordic Innovation’s mission, and the competence of the consortium involved. Strong industrial involvement and access to relevant material streams will be crucial for successful applications. The initiative is expected to contribute to strengthening Nordic competitiveness, resource security, and the development of circular value chains for critical raw materials.

  • DMT GROUP Engages in Technical Due Diligence for German Raw Materials Fund Projects

    DMT GROUP Engages in Technical Due Diligence for German Raw Materials Fund Projects

    DMT GROUP, a prominent player in the mining and commodities sector, has been appointed to conduct technical due diligence for projects under the German Raw Materials Fund, which was established by the German government. This initiative aims to secure long-term access to critical raw materials, reduce strategic dependencies, and enhance the competitiveness of German and European industries. The fund is managed by KfW on behalf of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie, with PwC overseeing the overall coordination of due diligence processes. DMT’s role focuses on evaluating the technical viability of various projects, assessing factors such as project implementation, process chains, infrastructure, cost assumptions, and potential technical risks.

    Julia Ridder, Project Manager for Technical Due Diligence at DMT, highlighted the comprehensive approach taken during the evaluation process. The technical due diligence involves a thorough examination of essential factors, including geology, mining operations, processing methods, logistics, and implementation strategies. This meticulous analysis aims to provide a reliable foundation for investment decisions that will bolster the supply of raw materials in Germany and across Europe. The results of these evaluations will inform technical assessments, recommendations, and risk analyses, ensuring that investments are based on solid technical groundwork.

    Jens-Peter Lux, Managing Director at DMT, emphasised the significance of the German Raw Materials Fund as a strategic tool for advancing critical raw material projects. He noted that similar initiatives are emerging in other European countries, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing national security regarding raw material supplies. This fund represents a crucial step towards fostering long-term cooperation within the extractive sector across Europe, aiming to strengthen the region’s resilience and competitiveness in the global market.