Critical Raw Materials: What They are and why they are vital for Europe

Critical raw materials are at the heart of a new industrial and geopolitical paradigm. Behind this definition lies a key challenge for the strategic autonomy of the European Union and for the success of the ecological transition. But what exactly are they? Why are they so important? And what is the role of Italy and Sardinia in this global scenario?

What are critical raw materials?

Critical raw materials (CRMs) are essential elements for European industry, but they present high supply risks and a strong geographical concentration of production. The EU has identified 34 materials as “critical” in 2023, including rare earths, lithium, cobalt, tungsten, and fluorite.

Their importance stems from the crucial role they play in highly industrial and strategic technologies: from electric vehicles to photovoltaic panels, from wind turbines to electronic chips, through to defense systems and telecommunications.

A geopolitical challenge: dependence on imports

Currently, Europe imports most of its critical raw materials from a limited number of countries, such as China, Russia, and South Africa. For example, Beijing controls over 90% of the global market for rare earths. This dependence poses a serious economic and political risk: disruptions in the supply chain, trade tensions, and geopolitical instability can compromise entire European production sectors.

To address this vulnerability, the EU has adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to diversify sources, strengthen domestic production, and promote the recycling of CRMs.

Italy and the (often unexplored) potential of its resources

Although Italy is not traditionally associated with large mining economies, it has significant geological resources that can contribute to the security of Europe’s supply of critical raw materials. According to ISPRA data, there are currently over 70 active mines in Italy, of which around 30 are potentially relevant for the production of strategic materials such as barium, antimony, lithium, and fluorite.

In recent years, Italian institutions have shown renewed interest in reviving the mining sector, thanks in part to alignment with European Union policies. The recent ‘Raw Materials’ DDL represents an important step in this direction, laying the foundations for a national program for the exploration and sustainable exploitation of underground resources.

However, several critical issues remain: complex and inconsistent authorization processes between regions, a lack of industrial culture linked to mining, and the absence of a complete national supply chain, from sourcing to processing. Bridging these gaps would not only reduce dependence on foreign countries, but also reactivate skills, investment, and employment in areas that are often marginalized today.

Outlook and strategy: how to ensure a secure future

The future of critical raw materials in Europe will depend on the ability to build an integrated and sustainable ecosystem. This implies:

• Expansion of domestic mining activity in geologically favorable sites such as Italy;
• Investments in recycling technologies to extend the useful life of materials already in circulation;
• Strategic partnerships with reliable countries to ensure stable flows;
• Training in new skills that are essential for the extraction and sustainable management of resources.

In this scenario, initiatives such as Mineraria Gerrei’s are fundamental: they demonstrate how a local project can have a continental impact, positioning Italy not only as a supplier but also as a strategic player in the new European economy of critical raw materials.