Critical Raw Materials (CRM) are growing in importance due to increasing use in energy transition technologies, systems digitalisation and defence. CRMs are in focus because they are both essential for important sectors and vulnerable to supply risks. In future, the steady supply of CRMs will likely grow increasingly stressed as the world moves toward similar goals. Geopolitical competition for CRMs is impacted by dependence on territories such as China, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some CRMs are being used across private organisations, public projects and defence technologies, numerous businesses will face similar challenges in future relating to CRMs. In Europe, to help mitigate supply risks, the EU launched the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The CRMA provides regulations to strengthen extraction and refining. Also, the CRMA introduces a 2030 recycling benchmark. The Act sets a benchmark for at least 25% of the EU’s annual consumption for recycling. Steps towards achieving recycling targets include measures to support and develop value chains, and develop measures to improve the crucial collection and sorting of material. At this time, it appears that European, US and Asian post-consumer CRM recycling is fairly under developed, but the cogs of progress are beginning to turn, this is partly due to pressure from defence requirements but also from new technology demands. Securing good (clean) feedstock, developing recycling technologies (shredders, sorters etc.) and initial government funding (to build a critical mass) will likely be key to achieving long term success.
