The Commission adopts the list of critical raw materials for the EU

On 13 September 2017, as part of a renewed EU Industrial Policy Strategy, the Commission has adopted a new list of critical raw materials for the EU. The list identifies raw materials with a high importance to the EU economy and a high risk associated with their supply.

The new list includes nine new materials as compared to 2014 list: baryte, bismuth, hafnium, helium, natural rubber, phosphorus, scandium, tantalum, vanadium, bringing the number up to 27 raw materials which are now considered critical by the European Commission. Three of these are entirely new to the list: bismuth, helium, phosphorus, as they were assessed for the first time. The other 17 critical raw materials are: antimony, beryllium, borate, cobalt, coking coal, fluorspar, gallium, germanium, indium, magnesium, natural graphite, niobium, phosphate rock, silicon metal, tungsten, platinum group metals, heavy rare earths, light rare earths. For the first time, individual assessment results are available for the latter three grouped metals.

Based on a refined methodology, the list provides a factual tool for trade, innovation and industrial policy measures to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry in line with the renewed industrial strategy for Europe. It should help incentivise the European production of critical raw materials through enhancing recycling and mining activities. The Commission is taking account of the list through a wide range of actions in the areas of trade, international relations, research and innovation, knowledge base and circular economy. For instance, critical raw materials are a priority area in the EU Circular Economy Action Plan in order to foster their efficient use and recycling. The list is also aimed at raising awareness of potential raw material supply risks and related opportunities among EU Member States, companies and investors.

The 2017 list of Critical Raw Materials for the EU builds on the results of the ‘Study on the review of the list of Critical Raw Materials’. The final report of the study along with the critical and non-critical factsheets developed for all the materials in scope of the assessment are now available in the EU bookshop.

More information

• Renewed EU Industrial Policy Strategy
• Communication on the 2017 list of Critical Raw Materials for the EU
• Study on the review of the list of Critical Raw Materials
• Methodology for establishing the EU list of Critical Raw Materials

Raw Materials Week 2017: 6-10 November – Register now!

The second edition of the Raw Materials Week will gather a wide range of stakeholders to debate and discuss raw materials policy and initiatives.

It will take place in Brussels from 6^th to 10^th November 2017.

The Raw Materials Week is centred around a series of events organised by the European Commission addressing the latest news regarding raw materials in the EU:

7 November:

• EU advanced mining countries conference – Sustainable and responsible sourcing and mining – (registrations will open soon)
• Critical raw materials event – register for the event
• New EIP Operational Groups Get Together

8 November:

• ‘5th annual high level conference of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on raw materials’ (see programme) – register for the event

9 November:

• Horizon 2020: Societal Challenge 5 Information Day & and Brokerage Event
• Reconciling biodiversity protection and extractive activities (see programme) – register for the event
• The EU Raw Materials Knowledge Base in support of EU raw materials policy (see programme) – register for the event

If you would like to add your event to the programme, please contact GROW-EIP-RAW-MATERIALS@ec.europa.eu

Public consultation on the evaluation of the Batteries Directive

The Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC lays down rules on placing batteries and accumulators on the market and their treatment in the EU.

The Directive’s overarching objective is to maximise the separate collection of waste batteries and accumulators and to minimise the disposal of spent batteries as mixed municipal waste in order to achieve a high level of recycling for all waste batteries and accumulators.

The consultation aims to capture views, experience and ideas of relevant stakeholders on achieving the Directive’s objectives, and invites them to provide relevant information for assessing the Directive’s performance and suitability.

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 28 November 2017.

More information

• Consultation

Extractive Waste Directive: Assessment of Member States’ performance regarding the Directive’s implementation

The European Commission (DG Environment) has published a study report in July assessing Member States’ performance regarding the implementation of the Extractive Waste Directive (2006/21/EC).

The report contains main findings and potential solutions regarding Inspectors (expertise and number); inventories of closed and abandoned sites; cases of non-compliance; Guidance for reporting events; external emergency plans at Category A facilities; guidelines for operators and competent authorities on the content of waste management plans; clarification of the interlinkages between permitting regimes; use of Best Available Techniques (BAT); enhancing implementation of the Directive with regard to financial guarantees among other issues.

More information

• Study report