Supply Chains and Recycling of Critical Raw Materials

The transition to a low-carbon economy is driving demand for critical raw minerals (CRM) like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for clean technologies. China’s targeted policies have established a CRM integrated ecosystem, dominating large parts of the global supply chains. Whereas the EU’s limited domestic capacity in mining and processing has created strong dependencies and supply risks from geopolitical tensions and market volatility. In response, the EU adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act in 2024 to boost domestic extraction, processing, and recycling. However, implementation faces several obstacles including funding shortages, public opposition to mining, and recycling limitations.

This workshop will address the upstream and downstream challenges in establishing secure supply chains for critical raw materials. We will first cover the market and policy environment for new European mining operations, including social licensing issues. We will then discuss European R&D efforts in processing technologies, strategies to attract industry and skilled workforce, and the manufacturing/remanufacturing aspects of clean technologies.

Program