Having a closer look at the CRM board, and it is very transparent - but not yet up to date.
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/raw-materials/areas-specific-interest/critical-raw-materials/critical-raw-materials-act/board_en#meetingsThe 4th December meeting appears to have already narrowed down the strategic projects.
The CRM board has created "Subgroups" - initially I thought it's for the selection process, but seems a bit late in the piece to call for subgroup applications by 17 January 2025. But the below response Grok, basically confirms there might already be a shortlist. It seems the CRM board is expecting the shortlist to get a bit of heat, from the NGOs.
The subgroups of the European Critical Raw Materials Board (CRM Board) under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) are established to handle specific topics and tasks related to the implementation of the CRMA. Here is a detailed explanation of their purposes:
Coordination on the Financing of Strategic Projects: This subgroup focuses on ensuring that Strategic Projects, which are key to enhancing the EU's critical raw materials supply chain, have access to the necessary financial resources. They coordinate financing strategies, which might include support from EU funds, private investments, or international collaborations. This subgroup ensures that projects aimed at strengthening the EU's capacity for extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials are financially viable and supported. Promotion of Public Participation in CRMs Projects: This subgroup works on engaging the public, ensuring transparency, and fostering community involvement in projects related to critical raw materials. It aims to address concerns from civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and affected communities, ensuring that the development of CRM projects includes social acceptance and adheres to principles like Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). This subgroup is crucial for managing the social and ethical dimensions of CRM projects. Promotion of Circularity, Resource Efficiency, and Substitution of CRMs: This subgroup is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of CRM supply chains. It focuses on promoting recycling, improving resource efficiency, and exploring alternatives or substitutes for critical raw materials. The goal is to reduce dependency on primary raw materials, increase the circularity of materials, and encourage innovations that can reduce the environmental footprint of CRM usage within the EU.
These subgroups help the CRM Board to address the multifaceted challenges of securing a sustainable and resilient supply of critical raw materials for the EU, covering financial, social, and environmental aspects. They are instrumental in implementing the CRMA by providing specialized focus and expertise in these critical areas
.Also on the 4th Dec, the European Environmental Bureau made a submission to the CRM board.
https://eeb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Strategic-Projects-Position-Paper-031224-2.pdf
Page 9, there are specific mentions of Critical Metals Corp, and Energy Transition Metals - and puts them in a bad light.
It appears the Kvanefjeld, Tanbreez (and Wolfsberg Lithium Project) might be already in the spotlight by NGOs.
@ttroy@jefferies2
(20min delay)