20 critical raw materials is major challenge for EU industry
The European Commission has presented a revised list of critical raw materials. The 2014 list includes 13 of the 14 materials identified in the previous list of 2011, with only tantalum moving out of the list due to a lower supply risk.
Six new materials – borates, chromium, coking coal, magnesite, phosphate rock, and silicon metal – appear on the list, bringing the number up to 20 raw materials which are now considered critical by the Commission. The other 14 raw materials are antimony, beryllium, cobalt, fluorspar, gallium, germanium, indium, magnesium, natural graphite, niobium, platinum group metals, heavy rare earths, light rare earths, and tungsten.
European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, commented: “The Commission, in co-operation with EU member states and stakeholders, is taking a wide range of measures to implement this strategy. These include a reinforced Raw Materials Diplomacy and trade policy, fostering sustainable supply within the EU, and boosting resource efficiency and promoting recycling. The EU list we presented today aims at contributing to the implementation of the EU industrial policy and to ensure that European industrial competitiveness is strengthened.”
The list aims to help incentivise the European production of critical raw materials and facilitate the launching of new mining and recycling activities. Furthermore, the list is being used by the Commission to help prioritise needs and actions. For example, it serves as a supporting element when negotiating trade agreements, challenging trade distortion measures, or promoting research and innovation. It can also serve as a source of information for companies who would wish to evaluate the criticality of their own supply of raw materials.
Key economic sectors in Europe – such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy – are highly dependent on raw materials. These raw materials are fundamental for the development of environmental technologies and the digital agenda.
