The transition to net zero and the digitalisation drive will significantly increase global demand not just for bulk metals such as copper but also for special metals such as lithium, rare earths and cobalt. Germany and Europe are heavily dependent on imports of these resources. Extraction and processing of special metals is subject to high supply concentration in individual countries, which for some is higher than for oil and gas production. For the positioning of European businesses in the area of strategic technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and solar technology, China’s strong market power is a particular challenge for the supply of raw materials and for Europe as a technology location in general. Pushing ahead with the circular economy, expanding resource extraction in Europe itself and diversifying international procurement sources are key to increasing the continent’s resource security.

Securing critical raw materials for the net zero and digital transformation(PDF, 295 KB, accessible)