In one of our articles, Benjamin Konn explained the significance of the Critical Raw Materials Act for Europe (https://cofermin.deder-critical-raw-materials-act/). But what specific impact will the law have on companies, and what new opportunities will it open up for industry? The CRMA has been in force since May 23, 2024, and the EU is using it to systematically promote its independence in the supply of raw materials. This opens up new opportunities, particularly for the electric mobility sector and other tech industries that are heavily dependent on critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earths.
Europe faces the challenge of securing its supply of critical raw materials without continuing to rely heavily on imports from third countries, particularly China. The CRMA aims to promote raw material extraction within Europe. Initial projects in the Upper Rhine Graben and the Harz Mountains, which focus on lithium extraction, are already in the pipeline. One notable example is Vulcan Energy, a company that uses hot salt water from the Upper Rhine Graben to generate electricity for thousands of households and intends to use this process to extract high-purity lithium chemicals for battery production.
A key strategy for the future is raw material recycling.
The CRMA not only calls for an increase in domestic production, but also places greater emphasis on recycling. The plan envisages that 25% of raw materials in Europe will be covered by recycling by 2030. Companies that invest in these technologies at an early stage can secure clear competitive advantages. Landfills and unused raw materials in exported waste could become new sources of critical raw materials. By establishing an effective circular economy, Europe aims to become more independent and at the same time more sustainable.
We have already gained experience in this area in the recycling and processing of industrial by-products. One example is the processing of silica fume, which is extracted from a silicate smelter slag heap and processed by a partner in Germany in accordance with CE standards.
Silica fume, a fascinating by-product of silicon and ferrosilicon production, was once considered waste. Today, silica fume is a key component in modern construction, for example as an additive for concrete and mortar. It improves the compressive strength and durability of concrete and also plays an important role in the manufacture of refractory materials, where it optimizes the binding properties and extends the service life.
Among other things, we specialize in the marketing of silica fume by processing contaminated and inhomogeneous feedstock from various sources in a CE-certified process and making it usable again. You can find out more about this project at https://cofermin.desilica-fume-eine-schlusselkomponente-im-modernen-bauwesen/.
Strategic projects and new financing options
The CRMA opens up new financial and logistical opportunities for the industry. Projects that are classified as strategically relevant can benefit from faster approval procedures, better access to financing options, and government support. This applies to both new mining projects within the EU and recycling initiatives. Companies that are already addressing these issues will be able to benefit significantly from these framework conditions in the coming years.
The CRMA is a signal from the EU: Europe’s raw material supply must become more stable, sustainable, and independent. This requires companies to invest in new technologies and be willing to take risks and enter new business areas. COFERMIN actively supports this development by using our expertise and networks to promote the transition to a sustainable and independent raw materials economy. The establishment of innovative material cycles and new supply chains opens up long-term prospects for all involved.
