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Rare earths, cobalt, copper, lithium; the EU relies on local extraction and refining, processing, recycling of minerals imported into the EEC
June 7, 2023Kiki Kienge
By Patrick Kienge
In order to achieve its independence in the supply of critical raw materials and to guarantee a secure and sustainable supply, the European Union has as its battle horse, the “European legislation on critical raw materials”.
European legislation on critical raw materials wants to strengthen domestic supply chains, strengthen international dialogue for mutually beneficial partnerships with single supplier countries.
The European Union seeks to diversify its supplies of critical raw materials, 65% of its annual needs should not come from the same country outside the EU.
- 63% of the world's cobalt, used in batteries, is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- 97% of the EU's magnesium supply comes from China.
- 100% of the rare earths used for permanent magnets are refined in China.
- 98% of the EU borate supply comes from Turkey.
Belgian Euro MP, Maria Arena said;
“The objective of the European Commission's proposal for a regulation on critical raw materials (rare metals, cobalt, copper, lithium, etc.) should enable the EU to access a secure, but above all sustainable supply!
Mining in countries that have these resources is currently harmful to the environment, but also to human rights. There is an urgent need to provide mechanisms that respect the populations living in the countries that hold these resources.
Guaranteeing access to resources for the well-being of Europeans to the detriment of the populations living in these countries is a solution from another age and unworthy of the European project. »
