The European Commission has announced a new list of 13 strategic critical mineral projects located outside the EU. The initiative is intended to support the bloc’s long-term supply of essential raw materials for the green and digital transitions. The projects are set to receive coordinated financial and policy support from EU institutions, Member States, and lending partners. They will also be linked with potential European off-take partners to support sustainable supply chains.
The international programme complements 47 strategic projects within the EU that were revealed earlier this year. Together, the 60 projects form Europe’s effort to strengthen strategic mineral independence and reduce overreliance on single-country suppliers. Under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), no more than 65% of the EU’s supply of any strategic mineral can come from one external source by 2030.
Investment levels for overseas mining and processing projects
The 13 selected initiatives are expected to require a total capital investment of €5.5 billion (about $6.27 billion) to reach production. This figure is presented as additional to the €22.5 billion (about $24.3 billion) needed for EU-based initiatives. The combined investment is described as part of Europe’s broader critical mineral diversification effort. The raw materials targeted are connected to clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced manufacturing.
Where the 13 projects are located and which countries cooperate
The projects span multiple continents and reflect an expanding network of strategic partnerships on raw materials. Seven initiatives are listed in Canada, Greenland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine, and Zambia. All seven are described as having formal cooperation agreements with the EU.
Additional projects are based in Brazil, Madagascar, Malawi, New Caledonia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The Commission highlights that Ukraine and Greenland have particular geopolitical relevance within Europe’s raw materials strategy. It notes that both regions play an increasingly important role, especially in graphite production. The Commission links their participation to competition with the United States and China.
Battery metals and rare earth elements among project priorities
Of the 13 new projects, 10 focus on extracting and processing battery raw materials including lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These inputs are described as key for Europe’s EV industry expansion. The remaining two projects target extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). They are intended to support EU domestic capacity for REE processing and Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) production.
The Commission ties the REE focus to concerns about China’s dominance in REE supply chains. It also references export restrictions imposed by Beijing in April on medium and heavy rare earths. European automakers warned that potential shortages could force factory shutdowns within weeks. The warning is presented as evidence of exposure to Chinese materials.
CRMA targets for mining, processing and recycling by 2030
The CRMA sets targets for 2030 that include domestic mining, processing within the EU, and recycling for internal demand. Analysts cited in the announcement say Europe risks missing these goals without accelerated timelines. Research from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence is referenced as indicating that the EU remains behind schedule across nearly all stages of the value chain. An exception is noted for lithium and nickel mining, where progress is described as faster.
The CRMA targets listed for 2030 are 10% of critical minerals mined domestically, 40% processed within the EU, and 25% recycled to meet internal demand. The announcement states that meeting these goals will require faster project approvals, stronger partnerships with resource-rich nations, and large-scale investment in refining, recycling, and clean mining technologies.
Coordinated support linked to supply chain sustainability
The Commission’s backing for the 13 overseas projects is presented as part of a strategy for securing raw materials needed for industrial and climate objectives through global cooperation. It also points to technological innovation and responsible sourcing as elements of the approach. The initiative is described as aiming to diversify supply chains by investing in both domestic and international mining ecosystems.
The announcement frames this diversification as a way to reduce dependence on single suppliers while supporting a more resilient and competitive critical minerals sector. It also reiterates that the international projects will be supported through coordinated financial and policy measures involving EU institutions, Member States, and lending partners. Potential European off-take partners are included as part of how sustainable supply chains are expected to be linked to project development.