Joaquim Nunes de Almeida
Lisbon, 21 October 2025 – At the MINEX Europe 2025 Forum, Joaquim Nunes de Almeida, Director in charge of Decarbonisation, Mobility, and Raw Materials at the European Commission, shared a compelling vision for the future of European mining and its role in advancing sustainability, energy transition, and resource security.
In a recorded video keynote, Nunes de Almeida addressed a packed audience virtually from Lisbon, his city of birth, offering an in-depth look at the European Commission’s initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe’s position in the critical raw materials sector.
Key Takeaways:
- Critical Raw Materials Act: One of the cornerstones of the European Commission’s approach is the newly approved Critical Raw Materials Act. Nunes de Almeida highlighted the act’s focus on providing faster permitting processes and better access to finance for strategic mineral projects. This initiative is central to ensuring that Europe can secure its raw material supply chains and become more self-reliant.
- Strategic Projects & Collaboration: The Commission is already supporting over 60 strategic projects in the critical minerals sector, 50 of which are within the European Union, and 13 from outside the EU. A second call for these strategic projects is expected soon. These efforts aim to foster collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors to address the urgent need for essential minerals in Europe.
- Critical Raw Materials Week: A major upcoming initiative is the Critical Raw Materials Week, set to take place in the third week of November 2025. During this event, the Commission will launch a platform designed to bring together supply and demand for critical raw materials. This initiative aims to boost market efficiency and connect stakeholders across Europe and beyond.
- Future Vision – Critical Raw Materials Center: Looking ahead, Nunes de Almeida shared the Commission’s plan to establish a Critical Raw Materials Center. This centre would provide a centralized platform for joint purchasing, stockpiling, and investment in critical raw materials. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s successful JOGMEC model, this initiative could enhance Europe’s capacity to manage and secure the necessary materials for its green transition.
- Export Control & Scrap Aluminium: The European Commission is also exploring ways to regulate the export of scrap aluminium, with efforts in collaboration with DG Environment and DG Trade. This policy aims to address potential shortages and ensure a steady supply of critical materials. While industry feedback is still being gathered, the Commission is determined to move forward with these measures.
- Industrial Accelerator Act: Nunes de Almeida also provided a sneak peek into the forthcoming Industrial Accelerator Act, expected to be adopted soon. The act will include a framework for the “Made in Europe” concept, which will focus on strengthening strategic and endangered sectors in Europe, offering support for their protection and growth. This initiative underscores the importance of reinforcing European industries that are crucial to the region’s economic security and sustainability goals.
A Glimpse into Europe’s Future
As Nunes de Almeida concluded his keynote, he emphasized that by the end of 2025, Europe will have a much clearer roadmap for supporting its mining and industrial sectors. The Commission’s efforts are not only focused on securing raw materials but also on ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of the green transition, energy security, and economic resilience.
Despite the challenges ahead, the European Commission is moving swiftly and decisively to build a sustainable and self-sufficient future for Europe, one that is grounded in strategic investments and strengthened partnerships.
The full impact of these efforts will unfold over the next several years, but the groundwork laid in 2025 promises a more sustainable and resilient future for the European raw materials sector.