EIT Raw Materials and InnoEnergy are awarded a groundbreaking new project designed to strengthen Europe’s supply chains, reduce dependencies, and mitigate disruption risks – the ‘Critical Raw Materials (CRM) `Facility’ – by the European Commission. The CRM Facility is coordinated by EIT RawMaterials and aims to build a resilient and sustainable European supply of critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese through strengthening global partnerships and advancing international projects to diversify Europe’s raw materials supplies.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO & Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials said: “Securing a stable supply of critical raw materials is not just vital for Europe’s industrial competitiveness—it is essential for European security. As we race toward 2030, we must turn ambition into action. The CRM Facility signals Europe’s commitment to delivering on this challenge, but resilient supply chains can only be achieved through strong global partnerships. At EIT RawMaterials, we are proud to lead this initiative, drawing on our industrial expertise and track record across mining, recycling, and advanced materials. Building on our leadership of the European Raw Materials Alliance, we remain committed to driving the partnerships, investments, and innovations that will strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and global leadership in raw materials.”
A dedicated team of EIT RawMaterials and InnoEnergy will identify and assess CRM projects from partner countries in Africa, Latin America, Central and Southeast Asia, Southeastern Europe, and Greenland to evaluate their strategic value for Europe and its industries and opportunities for win-win partnerships between the projects, host communities, and European industry.
Baptiste Buet, Director of EU Business Unit at EIT InnoEnergy, commented: “A value chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For batteries, securing sustainable raw materials is critical to the success and stability of a European industry that is rapidly developing. While the development of domestic EU mining, refining, and recycling is critical, the CRM Facility signals that Europe is serious about safeguarding access to global resources for battery cell manufacturers. InnoEnergy will leverage its track record as the most active early-stage cleantech investor and mobilise the industrial ecosystem we have been building through the European Battery Alliance to ensure meaningful partnerships are built through the CRM Facility.”
The CRM Facility mandate aims to bring together European industry with partners to develop mid-to-downstream mineral value chains further in partner countries. Additionally, the Facility will develop and deliver specialised training and skill-building programmes to equip professionals with the necessary expertise in CRM management, operations, and sustainable practices.
Author: Andy Cormack
