Too inconsistent, too uncertain: Transport & Environment calls for an update to outdated standards.
By 2030, ten percent of the European Union’s demand for certain raw materials required for the energy transition and digitalization is set to come from domestic mining, according to the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the new raw materials legislation of the EU. However, mining in Europe has been declining for decades, and the existing regulations are not up to the challenges posed by the CRMA—at least according to an analysis by Transport and Environment (T&E), a non-governmental organization focused on sustainable mobility. According to the analysis, an update is especially needed regarding the regulations on mining waste, specifically the EU Extractive Waste Directive of 2006. The study concludes that countries like China and Brazil have stricter regulations, even though Europe’s environmental and social standards are often considered among the highest in the world.
A major issue is the significant fragmentation, with much left to the discretion of member states, leading to unclear responsibilities in cases of accidents or damage. It is also not guaranteed that the best and safest technologies for storing and monitoring mining waste are used. The authors also criticize the lack of information and involvement of local communities in the processes.
Considering these points, T&E demands that the EU Commission revise the Extractive Waste Directive. The revision should be based on the Safety-First guidelines developed by global mining experts, civil society representatives, and scientists. These guidelines include annual emergency and evacuation drills, consideration of financial risks, and consultation with affected communities by independent technical experts. Additionally, the opportunity should be taken to integrate rules for the use of mining residues to utilize valuable resources more efficiently.
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