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After the climate clubs, the EU and its partners are discussing commodity clubs. In the process, they forget: If they want to import raw materials from the global South, they must also export (recycled) raw materials there. The metal recycling industry should therefore be on the guest list of the raw material clubs, write Murat Bayram and Kilian Schwaiger.
By Experts Table.Briefings
China tightly controls about three-quarters of global refined cobalt production. Its share in chemical refining for the production of batteries is even larger. China thus dominates the global supply chain for lithium batteries – from the ore to processing, from active materials to cells, and ultimately to the packs.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Today, Rapporteur Nicola Beer (Renew) publishes her draft report on the Critical Raw Materials Act. Her amendments aim primarily to increase planning certainty and reduce administrative burdens. She also wants to strengthen recycling and substitution of strategic raw materials.
By Leonie Düngefeld
The battle over access to industrial raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite has started. They are particularly vital for the expansion of renewable energy sources. But the major economic blocs are controlling their trade ever more tightly.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Nothing will be achieved in global climate action without China. The country is essential for reducing global emissions, procuring materials crucial for the energy transition and lowering the costs of clean technology. However, in some areas, the West is now more dependent on China than vice versa. And it lags behind in the race for geopolitical influence.
By Alexandra Endres
At least half of all greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the extraction and processing of resources. A circular economy can limit consumption – a decisive but often overlooked lever in climate action and nature protection. At their meeting in Japan, the G7 environment ministers are working to change that.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Brandenburg as a model student of the EU: More and more projects are strengthening the local value chain for batteries. Yesterday, the German-Canadian company Rock Tech unveiled Europe's first lithium converter at a groundbreaking ceremony.
By Leonie Düngefeld