Positive developments, but much to do: Germany administration receives a mixed report card at a high-profile summit in Berlin.
Under the theme “Daring More Resource Sovereignty,” the Federation of German Industries (BDI) hosted its eighth Raw Materials Congress this week. Around 200 participants from politics and industry, along with numerous media representatives, accepted the invitation to the former army bakery in Berlin.
Setting the Scene: Focus Sessions Encourage Networking
Before the official opening by BDI President Siegfried Russwurm, participants could choose one of three parallel “Focus Sessions,” featuring short presentations and discussions. One session explored how the African continent can establish itself as a supplier of raw materials and how German companies can build partnerships locally. A recurring theme, also emphasized in later presentations, was the need to create added value in target countries for investments. This includes collaborating with local communities, building infrastructure, and fostering technological partnerships. Transparency was another crucial factor, highlighted by the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Louise Nzanga Ramazani, who emphasized the importance of traceability and certification of raw materials.
The session “Innovations in Raw Materials Supply” examined alternatives to traditional mining. Alongside AI, secondary mining—extracting resources from residuals like tailing dumps—and deep-sea mining for critical resources were discussed. Although Germany has signed a moratorium, studies on the opportunities and risks of deep-sea mining continue. In 2026, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) plans the next test explorations in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone to assess impacts on the seafloor fauna.
BDI President Siegfried Russwurm
There was not a single empty seat in the hall as BDI President Russwurm reflected on the developments in raw materials policy since the last congress two years ago. His review was mixed. Positive examples include the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), various raw materials partnerships, and the German Raw Materials Fund, though Germany’s Federal Mining Act has yet to be modernized. Such modernization could support the CRMA goals and act as a “booster” for national implementation. However, Russwurm warned that, in contrast to global competitors like China, Germany is acting “too little, too late.” A study published at the conference highlights this on a dramatic hypothetical event: were China to suddenly halt lithium exports, Germany would face a multi-billion-euro economic impact.
Importance of Raw Material Supply Still Not Widely Recognized
The significance of raw materials must not only be understood in politics but also across society, or new projects risk being blocked. Rather than phasing out certain industries, Germany needs to reinvest in resource extraction and processing. Russwurm commended Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Franziska Brantner, who later shared her perspective. While dependency on China has increased, reliance on Russia for metals has significantly decreased. Brantner argued not for autarky in critical raw materials but rather for raw material partnerships.
Parliamentary State Secretary Franziska Brantner
Further discussions involved Aurubis AG CEO Toralf Haag, State Secretary Susanne Baumann, Argentine Ambassador Fernando Brun, and Kazakh Minister for Industry Kanat Sharlapaev. Like other speakers before him, Sharlapaev advocated for building local value chains, which also addresses a key logistical challenge: processed raw materials have less volume and weight, he noted.
Additional presentations and panel discussions covered topics such as the geopolitical importance of raw material security, the circular economy, and domestic mining. A key takeaway: without premiums or government incentives for resources mined in Germany, many projects may not be viable due to China’s market and price dominance. Funding and excessive regulations were also central topics in personal conversations at exhibition stands as part of the congress’s side program. Much work remains to be done in Germany; as the event’s theme suggests, greater boldness may be essential.
We thank everyone for the insightful conversations on-site and, of course, the BDI for the invitation to the congress.
All Photos: Rawmaterials.net/Rohstoff.net