Europe is embarking on an ambitious journey to reduce its reliance on imported mineral resources, a move designed to bolster both ecological and digital transformations. The impetus behind this shift is a growing awareness of vulnerability, heightened by geopolitical tensions such as the conflict in Ukraine, which exposed the risks of depending on a limited number of nations for essential resources.

The European Union (EU) is now prioritizing self-sufficiency by expanding its internal raw material production capabilities and diversifying its supply chains.This initiative is underpinned by 47 strategic projects aimed at boosting the production of critical raw materials within the continent.

Identifying Critical Resources and Setting Ambitious Goals

The EU has pinpointed 34 critical raw materials, including lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and magnesium, many of which face high-risk supply chains. For instance, 63% of world cobalt is extracted from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 100% of the rare land used in permanent ians are refined in China. This concentration of supply underscores the urgency for Europe to secure option sources.

To achieve these targets,the EU is focusing on increasing internal production and recycling capacities,as well as diversifying its sources to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on specific countries.

The Cinovec Lithium Project: A Case Study in Self-Sufficiency

Lithium, a vital component in battery production, is at the forefront of this initiative. Experts estimate that between 3% and 5% of the world’s lithium reserves are located under the city of Cinovec in the Czech Republic.Geomet, a private company with state participation, is spearheading a project to create an environmentally friendly lithium production chain.

This project is one of the 47 strategic initiatives selected by the European Commission to enhance the internal production capacity of strategic raw materials. We will extract almost 3 million tons of ore per year and produce about 30,000 tons of final product a year, says Tomas Vrbicky, a Geologist working for Geomet.

Geomet’s ambition extends beyond mere extraction; the company plans to produce lithium carbonate, a key ingredient for the battery industry, entirely within the Czech republic. This end-to-end approach is rare, as companies often rely on third countries for processing. However, this integrated approach presents notable challenges and higher costs.

The Feasibility Question: Can Europe Meet Its Ambitious Goals?

While the EU’s goals are ambitious, some experts question their feasibility within the set timeframe. Stary Jaromir, head of the Czech Geological Service department, expresses skepticism: It is indeed an unchallenged goal, as some of the critical raw materials for the European Union are not on the European continent and are not currently extracted. At this time,it is impractical to ensure that some of the critical raw materials will be treated in quantities that can supply 10% of European consumption.

Adding to this viewpoint, Geologist Gabriel Zbyněk of the Czech Geological Service highlights the evolution of mining exploration methods and European legislation, emphasizing the need for responsible and controlled practices. These raw materials are really essential to the EU. And it would be a little hypocritical to say that we do not need internal mining explorations, that the product can be extracted elsewhere in the world and that we do not interest us how it is done. Especially when it is not in our territory.

Balancing Environmental Concerns and Economic Realities

Mineral extraction inevitably carries environmental implications, but these can be minimized through responsible practices. Europe’s challenge lies in striking a balance between the imperative for a less polluting and socially equitable industry and the increased costs associated with such standards.