Critical raw materials (CRM) made it back on the EU Commission’s (EC) agenda in 2008. To date three CRM lists have been published (2011, 2014, 2017) and a new list advised for 2020. Invited experts also from National Geological Surveys added their expertise to determine the lists underpinned by projects (e.g. ERECON, EURare) and financial efforts. EU’s Green Deal affirms this manifest of the importance that these materials have in our daily lives.