- The European Union has launched a plan to reduce dependence on third countries for 17 strategic raw materials by encouraging their extraction, processing and recycling within Europe.
- Spain plays a key role with seven approved projects, although it faces challenges in social acceptance and sustainable mining development.
The importance of raw materials in European industry
Strategic raw materials are essential for Europe’s industrial and technological development. They are the basis for key industries such as automotive, energy transition, electronics or security and defence. However, the EU is highly dependent on imports from third countries, especially China, which exposes it to supply risks, as has happened in the past.
To reduce this dependency and strengthen their autonomy, the EU has put in place a plan to ensure access to 17 critical raw materials. This initiative seeks to promote extraction, processing and recycling within the European territory. .
Objectives of the European plan
The European Commission has defined concrete targets for 2030 to ensure the availability of these materials:
- Domestic extraction: At least 10% of annual demand must be met by mining in the EU.
- Processing: 40% of the critical raw materials used are to be processed in Europe.
- Recycling: At least 25% of the supply should come from recycled materials.
- Diversification: Not relying on a single supplier for more than 65% of the supply of each critical raw material.
These measures aim to ensure a stable and secure supply, reducing the vulnerability of European industry to geopolitical or trade crises.
Spain’s role in the extraction of raw materials
Spain plays a key role in this strategy. The European Commission has given the go-ahead to seven mining projects in the country, in regions such as Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Galicia. These projects include the reactivation of historic mines and the exploration of new deposits of critical materials such as:
- Lithium: Fundamental for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage.
- Cobalt: Used in batteries and advanced technologies.
- Tungsten: Key to aerospace and defence applications.
- Copper and platinum: essential in electronics and renewable energies.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the mining potential, Spain faces significant challenges in the processing of these materials and opposition from certain sectors of society due to environmental concerns. Sustainable mining and environmental regulation play a key role in the success of these projects.
To facilitate the development of this strategy, the EU is implementing measures such as:
- Public and private financing: Economic incentives for the exploration and exploitation of these resources.
- Reducing bureaucracy: Streamlining permits and administrative processes.
- Support for research: Promotion of new technologies for the extraction and recycling of critical materials.
Access to strategic raw materials is crucial for the future of European industry and its technological independence. The EU has taken a firm step towards reducing its external dependence, with a commitment to responsible mining and the circular economy, which are also key to gaining social acceptance of this strategic industry for the continent.
Spain, with its geological potential, is positioned as a relevant player in this change, although there are still challenges to overcome in terms of social acceptance and sustainable development of these projects. The balance between industrial development and respect for the environment will be key to the success of this initiative.