EIT RawMaterials & Inno Energy: Strengthening Value Chains
EIT RawMaterials and InnoEnergy will work together on a groundbreaking new project designed to strengthen Europe's supply chains, reduce dependencies and mitigate disruption risks.
The 'Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Facility', by the European Commission, is coordinated by EIT RawMaterials and aims to build a resilient and sustainable European supply of critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese by strengthening global partnerships and advancing international projects to diversify Europe's raw materials supplies.
Strategic partnership to address resource security challenges
Bernd Schäfer, CEO & Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials says: "Securing a stable supply of critical raw materials is not just vital for Europe's industrial competitiveness — it is essential for European security.
"As we race toward 2030, we must turn ambition into action. The CRM Facility signals Europe's commitment to delivering on this challenge, but resilient supply chains can only be achieved through strong global partnerships. At EIT RawMaterials, we are proud to lead this initiative, drawing on our industrial expertise and track record across mining, recycling and advanced materials.
"Building on our leadership of the European Raw Materials Alliance, we remain committed to driving the partnerships, investments and innovations that will strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and global leadership in raw materials."
A team made up of members from both the EIT RawMaterials and InnoEnergy will set about identifying and assessing CRM projects from partner countries in Africa, Latin America, Central and Southeast Asia, Southeastern Europe and Greenland. This work will include evaluating the countries' strategic value for Europe and its industries, and exploring opportunities for win-win partnerships between the projects, host communities and European industry.
Building sustainable value chains for Europe's battery industry
Baptiste Buet, Director of EU Business Unit at EIT InnoEnergy, adds: "A value chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For batteries, securing sustainable raw materials is critical to the success and stability of a European industry that is rapidly developing.
"While the development of domestic EU mining, refining and recycling is critical, the CRM Facility signals that Europe is serious about safeguarding access to global resources for battery cell manufacturers.
"InnoEnergy will leverage its track record as the most active early-stage cleantech investor and mobilise the industrial ecosystem we have been building through the European Battery Alliance to ensure meaningful partnerships are built through the CRM Facility."
The CRM Facility mandate aims to bring together European industry with partners to develop mid-to-downstream mineral value chains further in partner countries. Additionally, the facility will develop and deliver specialised training and skill-building programmes to equip professionals with the necessary expertise in CRM management, operations and sustainable practices
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