EU to handle the shortage of raw materials

The European Commission issued a press release on March 1, suggesting that it use the "European Innovation Partners" program to increase its own raw material production and respond to the shortage of raw materials. According to the plan, the EU will maximize the integration of funds and human resources, actively mobilize the strength of member countries, companies, research institutions and other parties to jointly increase the exploration, exploitation and processing of raw materials. Deputy Commissioner of the European Commission and member of the industrial enterprise Tayani stressed that it is of vital importance to the EU to increase the access to raw materials and thus raise the level of development of low-carbon products. Tayani said that the EU needs to integrate its strengths and discover its huge raw material potential, so that the EU will become a world leader in the exploration, exploitation, processing, recycling, and replacement of raw materials by 2020. At present, for the EU, the key is to develop related technologies and apply them to the next step in obtaining raw materials. This kind of technological innovation is crucial to enhancing European competitiveness, achieving sustainable growth and creating jobs.

The main contents of the plan include:

First, increase research and development efforts, break key technologies, and adopt comprehensive research methods to make up for the lack of knowledge in the acquisition of raw materials. Before 2020, we must complete the following tasks:

The first is to carry out 10 innovative experiments related to the exploration, exploitation, processing, collection and recycling of raw materials; the second is to find alternative application methods for at least three key and scarce raw materials; third is to increase the efficiency of the use, protection and reuse of raw materials, Raise the recovery rate of important raw materials in waste, paying particular attention to those raw materials that have potential negative impact on the environment. Fourth, establish research, education and training centers that focus on the sustainable extraction and management of raw materials; Fifth, establish European standardization statistical tools. , It is used to survey resources and reserves, and draw 3D maps; Sixth, it is to construct the analysis system of raw material supply and demand situation and the research system of raw material life cycle; The seventh is to implement “active interaction strategy” and strengthen the communication and coordination with major partners such as USA, Japan and Australia. , and make the EU play an active role in various multi-bilateral organizations.

Second, continue to tap the potential of raw materials in Europe The potential of raw materials in Europe is mainly reflected in two aspects: On the one hand, it is estimated that the value of the unexploited mineral resources buried underground in the EU from 500 to 1,000 meters is 100 billion euros. New technologies will be exploited in deeper, remote areas and harsher conditions. On the other hand, at present, EU citizens produce an average of 17 kilograms of e-waste per person per year, which is expected to rise to 24 kilograms by 2020. The adoption of cost-saving and environmentally friendly new recycling technologies, as well as more rational waste collection and treatment methods, have made it possible to increase the recycling of critical raw materials such as copper, silver, gold, palladium and cobalt.