10.4 C
Belgrade
Supported byspot_img
spot_img

CRMA targets in Europe: Overcoming challenges for rare earths and lithium

Member of Europium Groupspot_img
Supported byspot_img

Achieving the targets set by the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) presents both challenges and opportunities for rare earths and lithium in Europe.

Rare Earths: Europe’s lack of existing mines and lengthy permitting and development processes make meeting CRMA targets for domestic rare earth mining a significant challenge. While advanced projects like Norra Kärr in Sweden and Sokli in Finland hold promise, it can take up to a decade to complete necessary studies and obtain permits without substantial government support.

However, with government backing, single mines rich in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) or light rare earth elements (LREEs) could potentially meet a substantial portion of the EU’s projected demand for specific elements by 2030. Additionally, the EU has promising prospects for processing rare earth oxides, with the potential to handle up to 50% of its domestic consumption by 2030. Nonetheless, addressing the lack of rare earth metal and alloy production capacity within the region remains a critical hurdle.

Supported by

Expanding the scope of eligible suppliers to include countries within the European Economic Area and EU territories could enhance the EU’s supply options and improve its chances of meeting CRMA targets.

Lithium: In contrast to rare earths, the outlook for lithium under the CRMA appears positive. Europe boasts a robust pipeline of emerging lithium producers and prospects, suggesting a high likelihood of meeting domestic mining targets. Similarly, the region’s growing number of lithium chemical and downstream processors indicates a promising trajectory towards achieving processing targets.

Moreover, Europe’s existing and emerging battery recyclers provide ample capacity to handle end-of-life supplies and manufacturing scrap, aligning well with CRMA guidelines for lithium recycling.

Comparison: Overall, while the outlook for lithium in meeting CRMA targets is favorable, the situation for rare earths is more challenging. Without accelerated support from government and industry, Europe may struggle to meet extraction and processing targets for rare earths. Furthermore, addressing the lack of end-to-end processing capacity poses a significant obstacle to rare earths’ recovery from magnet production swarf and end-of-life devices.

Supported byElevatePR Digital

Related News

U.S. Forest Service proposes major stibnite mine expansion, ignites debate on environmental impact

The U.S. Forest Service has issued a draft record of decision authorizing a significant expansion of operations at the Stibnite Gold Mine in Central...

China’s growing control over critical minerals: Implications for global supply chains and geopolitics

China's dominance in critical minerals continues to escalate, significantly impacting global manufacturing, cross-border investments and geopolitical dynamics. As a leading producer of graphite, lithium,...

America’s mineral crisis: The urgent need to address China’s dominance and reform mining policy

For over a decade, Washington has been vocal about the necessity to reduce China's dominance over global mineral supplies. Both Presidents Trump and Biden...

India and UAE partner to secure critical mineral supply chains

India and the UAE solidified their commitment to securing critical mineral supply chains through a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement was...
Supported by
Supported by
Supported by
error: Content is protected !!