The European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) is being implemented alongside efforts to reduce reliance on imported critical raw materials. The policy sets a target to secure at least 10% of strategic mineral demand through domestic extraction by 2030. A set of mining and processing projects across Europe and the wider region is being revived, expanded, and fast-tracked as part of that push.
Base metals, graphite and battery inputs
In Turkey, the Gediktepe copper-gold mine, operated by ACG Metals, is shifting from gold and silver production from oxide ore toward copper, zinc and lead sulphide ores. The operation is preparing for longer-term polymetallic production while processing stockpiled material to generate near-term revenue. The company positions the project as a supplier to regional and international markets as demand for critical industrial metals grows.
For battery supply chains, the Lac des Iles (LDI) graphite project is located in Canada but is described as part of Europe’s battery ecosystem. Operated by Northern Graphite, the project is moving toward full operational readiness after maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Open-pit expansion is expected to resume after final permit approvals, targeting production of high-quality graphite flakes for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
France is also advancing synthetic graphite manufacturing through the BAM4EVER initiative supported by Tokai COBEX Savoie. The project includes reactivation and expansion of manufacturing lines producing synthetic graphite used in lithium-ion battery anodes. The development is tied to scaling EV production and gigafactory build-outs, with access to graphite identified as a key input for competitiveness.
Antimony, rare earths and mineral processing facilities
North Macedonia’s Lojane antimony and chromium project is moving toward reactivation following a period of dormancy. Owned by Pela Global Limited, it is linked to rising global demand for antimony used in defense, aerospace, semiconductors and flame-retardant technologies. The restart has drawn international attention including financial backing aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese antimony supplies.
In France, the Caremag rare earth processing facility in Lacq is preparing for commercial production of high-purity rare earth oxides after modernization work. The plant is planned to process both mined rare earth concentrates and recycled permanent magnets. It is described as supporting a domestic supply chain for materials used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics and advanced defense systems.
Sibanye-Stillwater is leading modernization at the Gallicam nickel-cobalt refinery in Sandouville. The facility is being redesigned to produce precursor cathode active materials for electric vehicle batteries. Once operational, it is expected to strengthen Europe’s domestic supply of nickel and cobalt while reducing reliance on imported battery materials.
Iron ore and base metals restarts in Europe
Sweden’s Kiruna iron ore mine, operated by LKAB, remains one of the world’s key iron ore assets. The company is implementing maintenance programs and operational adjustments to optimize underground mining activities. Infrastructure upgrades and process improvements are expected to restore full production capacity, supplying high-quality iron ore pellets to European steelmakers.
Spain’s Aznalcóllar mine, near Seville, is among the restart projects highlighted for redevelopment with environmental upgrades. The former zinc, copper and lead operation is being redeveloped through a €50 million investment program led by Minera Los Frailes, involving Grupo México and Magtel. Restart work includes advanced water treatment and environmental management systems designed around lessons from past environmental incidents.
Lithium projects and accelerated permitting in Scandinavia
In Germany, the Zinnwald lithium project in Saxony is described as one of Europe’s more advanced lithium developments. Owned by Zinnwald Lithium, it aims to establish an integrated mining and refining operation supplying battery-grade lithium to Germany’s automotive and battery manufacturing sectors. The project is positioned as relevant to efforts to secure critical inputs for electric vehicles.
Across Scandinavia, multiple rare earth, tellurium, tungsten and other critical mineral projects are benefiting from accelerated permitting under the EU Strategic Projects framework. The Almasjafäll region forms part of a broader Nordic effort to revive brownfield mining districts and develop new mineral sources for renewable energy technologies and advanced electronics. Projects are supported by companies including Boliden and LKAB.
CRMA-linked project pipeline across critical minerals
The CRMA implementation is framed as placing domestic resource development at the center of Europe’s industrial strategy with a target of 10% domestic extraction by 2030. The projects span copper, zinc, lithium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and antimony alongside iron ore. They are described as intended to support supply chains for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, defense systems and advanced manufacturing.
The pipeline includes projects transitioning from dormant or under-capacity operations toward expanded output plans where permits or modernization steps are in progress. Permitting timelines are referenced in relation to open-pit expansion at LDI graphite following final approvals. Environmental management upgrades are highlighted for Aznalcóllar alongside water treatment systems during redevelopment.
The next several years are identified as a period that will determine whether these projects can contribute to a stronger European raw materials ecosystem supporting green and digital transitions while reducing strategic vulnerabilities in global markets.
