Europe's Mining Dilemma: Aligning Mineral Needs with Environmental and Social Imperatives

Europe faces a mining dilemma: it needs to secure critical raw materials for its green transition and defence industries, but domestic mining projects face strong local opposition due to environmental concerns and a lack of public trust. This dilemma highlights the conflict between Europe's desire for self-sufficiency in critical minerals and the potential environmental and social impacts of mining, particularly in the face of strong local opposition.  Addressing this central challenge, outlining opportunities, case studies, and policy as the industry seeks closer alignment with Europe’s climate neutrality ambitions and developing mechanisms for genuine public consultation and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from affected communities.