Mining2023.06.05
EU directive poses a risk to the green transition and future jobs
The green transition - with its focus on renewable energy such as wind power - and our increasingly digitalized society are leading to a higher demand for a variety of minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, aluminium, and phosphorus. In this light, 16 March 2023 was an important date. On that day, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of so-called critical raw materials (CRMs). The proposed regulation is an important piece of the puzzle for the transition in Europe. At the same time, we see major risks of collision with a directive, which could slow down the development of the sustainable society of the future.