Challenging Europe’s mining expansion plans

On 4 September 2020, the European Commission (EC) released a new communication (opens in new window) detailing the future of its policies on mining raw materials critical for renewable energy, digital and industrial transitions in Europe.

The EC’s public relations has framed these measures in terms of sustainability and a green recovery after COVID-19, but in reality they mean a massive drive to expand mining in Europe.

A group of European civil society organisations has written a letter to relevant officials at the Commission calling on them to change course urgently, taking measures to de-grow the EU’s material use, recognise European communities’ Right to Say No to Mining and end exploitation of mineral and metal-rich Global South nations through unfair trade deals, among other measures.