Critical Raw Materials
High DependencyOverview
China controls roughly 60-70% of rare earth mining and 90% of rare earth processing globally. Europe imports nearly all lithium, cobalt, rare earths, and other materials critical for batteries, semiconductors, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. This supply chain concentration creates strategic vulnerability across multiple technology domains.
The EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024) sets binding targets for European extraction, processing, and recycling — but closing the gap with China will take decades.
Why EU Sovereignty Matters
Every technology on this map depends on raw materials that Europe doesn't currently produce or process at scale. Chips need gallium and germanium. Batteries need lithium and cobalt. Wind turbines and EVs need rare earth magnets. Without secure supply of these materials, European sovereignty in downstream technologies is impossible regardless of how much is invested in manufacturing.
Key European Players
Corporate
Swedish state-owned mining company that discovered Europe's largest known rare earth deposit in Kiruna (2023). Potentially transformative for European rare earth independence.
Startup
German company developing zero-carbon lithium extraction from geothermal brine in the Upper Rhine Valley. Could supply lithium without traditional mining.
Initiative
2024 regulation setting binding targets: 10% EU extraction, 40% EU processing, 25% EU recycling of annual consumption by 2030. Covers 34 critical and 17 strategic raw materials.
EU-led initiative to build a competitive European battery value chain from raw materials to recycling. Coordinates across member states and industry.
Key Facts
- Key policy
- Critical Raw Materials Act (2024)
- Recycling target
- 25% of annual consumption by 2030
- EU import dependency
- Nearly 100% for many critical materials
- China rare earth control
- 60-70% mining, 90% processing
Other Domains
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