Germany could meet part of future critical raw material needs with domestic production

A report by the Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) suggests that Germany could meet a significant portion of its future demand for critical raw materials through domestic production. According to the report, Germany’s copper reserves are substantial enough to support “around 18 million electric cars or provide 750,000 wind turbines with electrical cables.” Additionally, a significant lithium deposit in the Saxon Ore Mountains and the potential to extract lithium as a by-product from geothermal power plants could contribute to domestic supply. The first commercial project to produce lithium from geothermal sources is expected to begin in 2027, aiming to produce 24,000 tonnes annually—enough for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles.

Germany has over 100 mining projects that could bolster the domestic supply of critical raw materials. However, many of these projects are still in the early stages and require significant investment. Furthermore, project approvals often face delays due to limited public acceptance of domestic mining activities, as noted by report co-author Michael Szurlies.

Volker Steinbach, head of the raw materials department at BGR, highlighted that while Germany extracts a considerable amount of mineral raw materials domestically, its production of critical or strategic minerals is relatively low compared to its needs. Consequently, the country remains heavily reliant on imports.

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Raw materials like cobalt, copper and lithium are essential for energy transition technologies, including batteries for electric vehicles and wind turbines. A 2022 report revealed that Germany imports 39 out of the 46 most critical raw materials needed for its energy and industrial policies. Ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of these materials is crucial for transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, reducing dependency, and enhancing competitiveness and resilience. The EU’s Raw Materials Act mandates that at least 10% of the annual consumption of critical raw materials must be sourced from within the union by 2030.