The Council of the European Union has given final approval to...

The Council of the European Union has given final approval to the Critical Raw Materials Act. A statement from the Council outlined this approval as the final stage in the process of formally implementing the Act. The final text, officially adopted on March 18, 2024, identifies two lists of materials (34 critical and 17 strategic), that are crucial for green and digital transitions. High-purity manganese (battery grade) listed as a strategic raw material, and manganese listed as a critical raw material. "Manganese - Battery Grade" was listed as a strategic raw material, which recognizes its importance in meeting Europe's decarbonization efforts and in defence and space applications. Manganese was listed as a critical raw material, which are those considered to be of high economic importance and high supply risk to the EU.