The European Commission has announced a new list of 13 strategic critical mineral projects outside the EU, designed to help secure the bloc’s long-term supply of essential raw materials for the green and digital transitions. These international projects will receive coordinated financial and policy support from EU institutions, Member States, and lending partners—and will be linked with potential European off-take partners to ensure sustainable supply chains.
This global initiative complements the 47 strategic projects within the EU, revealed earlier this year, marking a major milestone in implementing the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). Together, these 60 projects represent Europe’s most ambitious effort yet to strengthen its strategic mineral independence and reduce overreliance on single-country suppliers. Under the CRMA, no more than 65% of the EU’s supply of any strategic mineral can come from one external source by 2030.
€5.5 Billion Boost for Global Mineral Security
The newly selected projects will require a total capital investment of €5.5 billion ($6.27 billion) to reach production—adding to the €22.5 billion ($24.3 billion) needed for EU-based initiatives. This combined investment reflects Europe’s growing commitment to critical mineral diversification, essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced manufacturing.
Global Project Locations and Strategic Partnerships
The 13 projects span multiple continents and reflect the EU’s expanding network of strategic partnerships on raw materials. Seven of the selected initiatives are located in Canada, Greenland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine, and Zambia, all of which maintain formal cooperation agreements with the EU. Additional projects are based in Brazil, Madagascar, Malawi, New Caledonia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
The inclusion of Ukraine and Greenland carries notable geopolitical weight. Both regions play an increasingly important role in Europe’s raw materials strategy—particularly in graphite production—amid heightened competition with the United States and China. Their participation signals the EU’s intention to establish an independent role in global critical minerals diplomacy, countering U.S. influence and reinforcing its strategic autonomy.
Focus on Battery Metals and Rare Earth Elements
Out of the 13 new projects, 10 will focus on the extraction and processing of battery raw materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt—key inputs for Europe’s rapidly expanding EV industry. The remaining two projects target the extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) to support the EU’s domestic capacity for REE processing and Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) production.
This diversification effort comes as China’s dominance in REE supply chains raises growing economic and security concerns. After Beijing imposed export restrictions on medium and heavy rare earths in April, European automakers warned that potential shortages could force factory shutdowns within weeks, exposing the EU’s dependency on Chinese materials.
Can the EU Meet Its 2030 CRMA Goals?
While the CRMA sets ambitious targets, analysts warn that Europe risks falling short of its 2030 goals without accelerated timelines. According to research from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, the EU remains behind schedule across nearly all stages of the value chain—except for lithium and nickel mining, where progress has been faster.
Under the CRMA, by 2030, the EU aims to achieve:
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10% of critical minerals mined domestically,
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40% processed within the EU, and
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25% recycled to meet internal demand.
Meeting these goals will require faster project approvals, stronger partnerships with resource-rich nations, and large-scale investment in refining, recycling, and clean mining technologies.
A Global Step Toward Strategic Resilience
The European Commission’s support for these 13 projects underscores a clear message: Europe intends to secure the raw materials essential for its industrial and climate goals through global cooperation, technological innovation, and responsible sourcing.
By diversifying supply chains and investing in both domestic and international mining ecosystems, the EU is not only reducing its dependence on single suppliers but also paving the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive future for its critical minerals sector.
