ENGLISH SECTION
25/03/2025 | 18:30
Greek proposal among 47 strategic raw material projects approved by European Commission
The European Commission approved 47 strategic projects to boost domestic strategic raw material capacities, and in turn strengthen the European raw materials value chain and diversify sources of supply, it announced on Tuesday.
The 47 projects are located in 13 EU member states, including one in Greece, and relate to 14 of 17 strategic metals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and aluminium, named on the Critical Raw Materials Act.
The Greek proposal by Metlen Energy & Metals and European Bauxites aims to contribute to the supply of bauxite/alumina/aluminium and gallium, and is the only project among the 47 that relates to the mining of these specific metals.
All 47 projects met environmental, social, and governmental criteria and are technically feasible. They are expected to reach a total investment of 22.5 billion euros and are in a position to benefit from concerted support by the Commission, the member states, and banks in order to begin operation, particularly in terms of funding access and support to connect with relevant agencies. They will also be provided simplified licensing procedures, which must not exceed 27 months for mining projects and 15 months for other projects (today’s waiting period is 5-10 years).
Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, noted, “Europe currently depends on third countries for many of the raw materials it needs the most. We must increase our own production, diversify our external supply, and make stockpiles.” He called the decision “a landmark moment for European sovereignty as an industrial powerhouse.”
The European Commission has also received applications for so-called strategic projects in third countries, but no date has been announced about a decision.
Source: ANA – MPA
