Overview

• The EU Commission has officially endorsed 47 critical raw material projects across 13 countries, including two lithium-related initiatives in Germany.
• The supported German projects include Vulcan Energy's geothermal lithium extraction in Oberrheingraben and Rock Tech's processing facility in Brandenburg.
• The Zinnwald Lithium project in Saxony, capable of producing lithium for one million EV batteries annually, was not classified as strategic but remains backed at the state level and by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
• The Critical Raw Materials Act aims to reduce EU dependency on Chinese imports by simplifying permitting processes and increasing domestic production, processing, and recycling by 2030.
• Current EU lithium imports are heavily reliant on China, with over 50% sourced from the country, posing significant economic and industrial risks.