Strategic EU Investment Targets Innovation and Sustainability in Mining, Processing, and Recycling

Berlin, 30 January 2025 – EIT RawMaterials has announced a groundbreaking funding initiative aimed at bolstering Europe’s raw materials security and reducing reliance on imports. With a clear focus on innovation, start-ups, and strategic mining projects, this call represents the first dedicated European funding push aligned with the objectives of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.

Addressing a Pressing European Challenge

Europe remains highly dependent on external sources for critical raw materials (CRMs), with import reliance ranging between 80-100% for several key resources. This dependence poses a significant threat to industrial resilience, energy transition goals, and long-term economic competitiveness.

Bernd Schäfer, CEO and Managing Director of EIT RawMaterials, underscored the urgency of the initiative: “The ERMA Booster Call is a strategic initiative to reduce European reliance on imports for 80-100% of the critical raw materials essential to industrial resilience and competitiveness. The Draghi Report identified access to CRMs as Europe’s second-largest challenge to competitiveness, following energy. While policy efforts in Europe have increased focus on CRMs, financing remains a major bottleneck. With this funding call, we aim to accelerate innovation, scale up strategic mining and recycling projects, and mobilize further investment through a cross-industry public-private partnership.”

Expanding Investment Opportunities for Start-Ups and Scale-Ups

EIT RawMaterials is significantly increasing its financial commitment to the raw materials sector by expanding investment sizes for promising start-ups and scale-ups. The new initiative boosts individual investment tickets from €0.5 million to €1.5 million, ensuring that early-stage innovators and Series-A companies receive the necessary support to transition from research and development to full-scale commercialization.

This investment expansion reflects a broader European strategy to create a resilient, innovative, and competitive raw materials ecosystem. By focusing on high-impact technological advancements, EIT RawMaterials aims to drive the transformation of Europe’s supply chains and strengthen its industrial base.

Dedicated Investment for Mining, Processing, and Recycling

A key component of the new funding call is a €2.5 million investment ticket for projects in mining, processing, and recycling that hold strategic significance for the EU. This dedicated investment aims to accelerate projects in critical areas such as:

• Sustainable and responsible extraction of raw materials
• Advanced processing technologies to enhance material efficiency
• Cutting-edge recycling solutions to promote circular economy principles

These investments will support the European Union’s objectives under the Critical Raw Materials Act, which seeks to diversify supply sources, enhance material circularity, and reduce environmental impact. By injecting capital into key projects, EIT RawMaterials intends to drive tangible progress towards a self-sufficient European raw materials supply chain.

Unlocking Further Investment and Industry Collaboration

EIT RawMaterials has long been a leader in fostering public-private partnerships to advance the EU’s raw materials sector. With this funding call, the organization aims not only to provide direct financial support but also to mobilize further investments from industry stakeholders, venture capitalists, and institutional investors.

By prioritizing projects with strong innovation potential and strategic impact, the initiative seeks to attract additional capital and create a multiplier effect, ensuring sustained progress in Europe’s raw materials ecosystem. The success of these investments will be critical in meeting Europe’s ambitious sustainability targets and strengthening industrial competitiveness on a global scale.

A Pivotal Moment for Europe’s Raw Materials Security

The launch of this funding call comes at a crucial time for European industry. As global competition for raw materials intensifies, securing domestic supply chains has become a top priority for policymakers, businesses, and investors alike. By supporting high-potential projects across the raw materials value chain, EIT RawMaterials is positioning Europe to lead in sustainable resource management and technological innovation.

With its increased investment sizes, strategic focus, and commitment to sustainability, this initiative represents a transformative step towards securing Europe’s raw materials future. As industry leaders and innovators respond to the call, the impact of these investments will be felt across sectors ranging from renewable energy and electric vehicles to advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

Next Steps

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for funding through EIT RawMaterials’ official channels. With Europe’s industrial future at stake, this initiative offers a unique opportunity for innovators, mine developers, and technology pioneers to shape the next generation of sustainable raw materials solutions.

For further details on the funding call and application process, visit EIT RawMaterials’ website.