Substitutionability of Critical Raw Materials in the European Union - 2012

Mining & Minerals - Evaluations / Critical Mineral Resources

Halme, et al., reported in 2012 that the European Parliament has adopted a resolution that proposes focusing Research and Development on the substitution of critical raw materials to support sustainable development and encourage growth in the European economy. This study addresses the question of which measures could foster the substitution of critical raw materials in the European Union. The main conclusion of the study is that the substitution of critical raw materials needs consistent and multidisciplinary research and development action as well as further incentives.

The key findings were: 

• The European economy is the largest in the world, with a strong industry, while the mineral production within EU does not satisfy the demand.
  
  
• The issue of addressing challenges with the minerals supply, especially concerning certain critical raw materials (CRM), has arisen with recent market volatility that is
  partly a result of dependency on certain countries.
  
  
• This study examines the present policy framework for substitution of CRM in the EU, in selected Member States, and in key benchmark countries including the United States of America, Japan and Republic of Korea.
  
  
• Additional policies are recommended to further support substitution.