European Raw Materials

Raw Materials are crucial components of a resilient and sustainable economy and society. A sustainable supply of primary raw materials needs accessible mineral deposits and efficiently productive mines. Competing land-use issues, social and environmental challenges, declining ore grades, resource nationalism are just a few aspects, which seems to make it increasingly challenging to secure supplies. The realisation of a low-carbon society and new technologies – especially in the light of the "European Green Deal” – change future raw material needs and set a focus in so-called critical raw materials. Although Europe has a long history in mining, it is still widely underexplored in particular with modern exploration methods. A good understanding of mineral systems, mining sites and remaining resources of historical sites will stay of utmost importance. This session thus invites contributions focussing on European mineral deposits and exploration and mining activities that indicate a socio-economic importance to the German / European society in particular.