EU likely to miss 2030 critical raw material targets, study warns

A study by the ifo Institute released on 14 July 2026 finds that the European Union is on track to miss its 2030 goals for critical raw materials. Of the 27 materials classified as essential for batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy and defence, the EU currently extracts more than five percent of global supply for only four, and has zero production for nine. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act aims for at least 10 % of demand to be mined, 40 % processed and 25 % recycled within Europe by 2030, but the study highlights a lack of concrete steps, funding gaps and an incomplete geological database (MIN4EU).

Researcher Isabella Gourevich criticised the EU’s reliance on “intentions rather than concrete projects”, urging stable partnerships with resource‑rich countries and clearer financing. While the bloc has signed supply agreements with Australia and Indonesia, Gourevich says these are insufficient without firm project commitments.

In Germany, Saxore Bergbau is piloting a new underground leaching technique at a site in Tellerhäuser, Erzgebirge, to extract tin, indium and other metals. The project, co‑funded by the EU, aims to demonstrate a more sustainable mining method and could serve as a model for reviving European mineral extraction.

The findings suggest that without accelerated action, the EU’s ambition to reduce import dependence on critical raw materials will remain unmet.