EU Commission plans expansion of raw materials

The European Commission has unveiled a new raw materials law to help reduce the EU's dependence on critical raw materials from third countries such as China. Under the law, at least 10 percent of strategic raw materials are to be mined within the EU by 2030, with another 15 percent covered by recycling. In addition, at least 40 percent of each raw material is to be processed in the EU. The demand for raw materials for green technologies such as electromobility will rise sharply in the coming years, the EU Commission said.

The EU classifies a total of 30 raw materials as strategic, including rare earths, magnesium, lithium, cobalt and bauxite. The Commission is concerned about dependence on China. Of the 30 critical raw materials, ten come largely from China, which effectively controls the entire processing industry. To avoid supply chain problems, the EU states want to create strategic reserves of key raw materials and conduct a stress test every three years. In addition, faster approval procedures for strategically important projects are to be introduced.

Green Party MEP Henrike Hahn criticizes the draft as a "blind call for 'higher-faster-further' for more mining in Europe." She calls for a precise calculation of needs for appropriate policy measures. Private investment alone is not enough to support strategic projects, the EU Commission said. Member states could fill the gap with state aid, and the European Investment Bank is also to contribute.