This study provides analysis and recommendations to enhance subnational conditions for improving the European Union’s self-sufficiency in and competitiveness of critical raw materials, while ensuring environmental responsibility and community benefits. It reflects the analysis of ten European Union (EU) regions: Central Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, Lapland, North Karelia and Oulu (Finland), Central Greece (Greece), Alentejo and Centro (Portugal), Andalusia (Spain) and Örebro (Sweden).
Amid growing national strategies for securing mineral supply and increasing trade uncertainties, The European Union has made domestic mineral production and recycling a top priority. Testament to that is the EU 2024 Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which provides the main guiding framework to expand mineral extraction, processing and recycling capacity, including a goal to at least triple domestic strategic minerals extraction by 2030.
Subnational conditions are essential for reliable and responsible mineral supply. Regions can ease access to mineral deposits, help mitigate environmental impacts, shape project approvals through improved community participation and communications, and provide the workforce, services and infrastructure needed for efficient operations. As key producers of critical minerals and hosts to leading clusters, education and research centres for mineral processing and circular mining practices, the ten EU regions examined in this study are key players in attaining EU mineral goals. Many of these regions have also developed governance models that better align mining projects with regional development priorities and improve land-use planning for project implementation.
However, EU mining regions face several challenges that may limit their ability to contribute to CRMA targets. A major bottleneck is the perception and trust on mining among some communities and municipal governments, which delays permitting processes and undermines political support for projects. Other challenges include the limited integration of mineral-related activities into regional development strategies, skill shortages and information and capacity gaps to access support for innovation and circular projects.
Against this backdrop, this study identifies 15 recommendations across 5 thematic pillars to help these 10 EU regions enhance their local conditions to facilitate the implementation of mineral-related projects, with high environmental standards and stronger connections with community development goals. It also outlines six recommendations for national governments to improve mineral policy frameworks, streamline permitting processes and strengthen communications and community engagement in mining activities.
This project was funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the OECD, in co‑operation with the European Commission. The project includes this report along with individual regional profiles and recommendations for each of the ten beneficiary regions. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union. The project leveraged the expertise of the OECD Mining Regions and Cities Initiative, which provides policy advice to improve competitiveness and well-being in regions and cities specialised in mineral-related activities. This report benefitted from insights collected during visits to the 10 beneficiary regions, including discussions with stakeholders in 26 municipalities, as well as input from policy workshops that involved representatives from the European Commission and national and regional governments.