Generic feed back from T & E (Transport &...

Generic feed back from T & E (Transport & Environment)

https://evmarketsreports.com/eu-critical-raw-materials-act-tes-key-recommendations-for-strategic-projects/

T&E’s recommendations for selecting strategic projects

To ensure the success of the CRMA, T&E recommends a set of criteria for selecting and prioritising Strategic Projects. These guidelines aim to ensure that projects meet the EU’s sustainability goals while building a resilient raw material supply chain.

1. Focus on CRMA benchmarks: Projects should be selected with the CRMA’s 2030 targets in mind. T&E suggests that at least half of all selected projects should focus on refining or processing, where most value is added. Additionally, at least 25% of selected projects should focus on recycling, which has a shorter timeline to come online compared to mining.
2. Environmental sustainability: It’s crucial that all Strategic Projects adhere to strict sustainability standards. Projects should aim to minimise CO2 emissions and reduce environmental impacts on water, land, and ecosystems. For example, lithium processing should target emission thresholds of 10 kg CO2 per kg of lithium hydroxide. T&E also calls for innovative, low-emission technologies to be prioritised.
3. Engagement with local communities: Mining projects, especially those outside the EU, should respect theFree, Prior, and Informed Consent(FPIC) framework, which ensures that Indigenous communities are consulted and engaged before, during, and after a project’s lifecycle. Additionally, T&E recommends that projects undergo certification through theInitiative for Responsible Mining Assurance(IRMA) to ensure that they meet high environmental and social standards.
4. Add local value: For projects outside Europe, T&E advises that a minimum of 10% of additional value should be added in the local economies of resource-rich countries. This could mean building refining and processing facilities in those countries or supporting local infrastructure. For example, in Chile, companies are required to add $2.000 of value per ton of lithium carbonate to stimulate local investment.
5. Support innovative technologies: As battery and EV technologies evolve, T&E stresses the importance of backing projects that focus on new, more efficient battery chemistries, like lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) and sodium-ion batteries. These alternatives use fewer critical materials and could help reduce Europe’s reliance on nickel and cobalt in the future.