About: critical raw materials

Raw materials: why Europe needs to ramp up its battery game

Europe can play a special role in setting standards that have a global impact and prevent batteries from being discarded prematurely, writes Claudius Jehle.

Responsible sourcing of raw materials vital as fossil fuel era ends

Robust regulation is needed at EU-level to ensure that workers and the environment are protected during the extraction of battery metals, write Mark Dummett and Julia Poliscanova.

Stop the mining rush in protected nature

Last year, the World Bank indicated that production of graphite, lithium and cobalt must increase by more than 450% by 2050 to meet the demand for energy storage technologies. Is the energy transition in danger? Do we have to exploit resources massively in Europe to avoid becoming dependent on imports? Green MEPs have an alternative plan.

Europe should aim to leave metals in the ground – and in the deep sea

While certain metals, like lithium and cobalt, are essential for decarbonisation, Europe needs to shift the focus away from mining these materials towards reducing the amount needed and recycling what is used, writes Ann Dom.

Geopolitical dimensions of the EU‘s future supply of critical raw materials

Neither the creation of a circular economy nor any other single measure alone won’t offer a silver bullet solution to the rising demand of critical raw materials (CRMs), argues Frank Umbach.

‘Open strategic autonomy’: A vision for Europe’s raw materials future

Europe’s “green recovery” will be based on industrial leadership in the production of computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and wind turbines, writes Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou.