For the first time in 30 years, new deposits of critical minerals will be explored nationwide.
With the Critical Raw Materials Act, the European Union introduced its first legislation to secure the supply of raw materials last year. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports by increasing domestic mining activity. Member states are expected to develop programs for the exploration and development of their mineral resources. Italy has now launched a nationwide geological research initiative, marking the country’s first major project of this kind in three decades.
The focus is on materials classified by the European Commission as critical and strategic for the EU’s economy and security. These include lithium, graphite, copper, manganese, antimony, rare earth elements, and platinum-group metals. The project is led by Italy’s Geological Survey, with an initial investment of € 3.5 million. A total of 14 research projects are planned, spread across the country. The program also includes mapping of mining waste that could be suitable for resource recovery. It aims to provide early guidance for domestic and international investors.
Italy Plans to Simplify Mining Project Approvals
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso called the initiative an important step toward revitalizing the national mining sector. Just weeks ago, the government announced plans to streamline the approval process for mining concessions. Legislative steps have also been taken to establish a fund to support critical supply chains, which is expected to be backed by 2 billion euros from public and other sources.
Several other EU countries have introduced similar programs, including Spain (we reported). Others, such as Sweden, are already further along with mining projects. However, new mines often face opposition from local communities and environmental groups, even when the extracted materials support climate-friendly technologies such as wind power and electric mobility. Industry bodies, such as the International Energy Agency, and think tanks, like the Institute for Policy Studies in the United States, are calling for greater transparency in public communication and stronger involvement from all stakeholders.
Photo: iStock/Fabio Vallenari