NEEIP – Joint Position Paper on the Water Framework Directive

The European Non-Energy Extractive Industry Panel (NEEIP) has published a joint position paper focusing on the revision of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its implications for the competitiveness of the European non-energy extractive sector.

Key Highlights:

  • The document presents the concerns of leading industry associations, including Euromines, Aggregates Europe-UEPG, Cerame-Unie, European Carbon and Graphite Association (ECGA), The European Cement Association (CEMBUREAU), European & International Federation of Natural Stone Industries (EUROROC), European Expanded Clay Association (EXCA), Industrial Minerals Europe (IMA-Europe), Association des Producteurs Européens de Potasse (APEP).
  • The paper advocates for adjustments to the WFD to ensure that water management practices do not hinder essential industrial activities, such as those vital to the extraction of natural resources in Europe.
  • Specific recommendations are made for modifying articles related to the extension of deadlines for achieving good water status, adjusting “non-deterioration” clauses, and expanding exemptions for essential industrial activities.
  • The paper also emphasises the need for transparency, legal certainty, and stakeholder involvement in the prioritization of hazardous substances in EU waters.

Key Proposals include:

  1. A realistic extension of the deadline for achieving good water status.
  2. Amendments to the “no further deterioration” requirement, which is currently difficult to meet under existing strict interpretations.
  3. Support for maintaining the current legislative process under Article 16 regarding strategies against water pollution, ensuring a more transparent and inclusive review process.
  4. Stronger safeguards for industrial projects, ensuring the future sustainability of European extractive industries while maintaining high environmental standards.

This joint position paper represents a united stance from across the non-energy extractive industry, calling for a balanced approach that supports both environmental protection and industrial competitiveness in Europe.

To access the full paper and review the detailed position of the European non-energy extractive industry, please refer to the document below.

PRESS RELEASE: EU’s Strategic Projects List under the Critical Raw Materials Act: A major step towards raw materials resilience

Brussels, 25 March 2025 – With 47 Strategic Projects selected, this milestone marks a significant step toward fostering a more resilient and secure supply of the critical raw materials essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions, as well as the aerospace and defence sectors.

The selected strategic projects listed link, aim to contribute to the stability and security of Europe’s industrial supply chains while fostering responsible mining, processing, and recycling. This aligns with the broader objective of reducing strategic dependencies and enhancing economic resilience of the European bloc.

“Raw materials are essential to Europe’s industrial strength, enabling modern technologies, clean energy solutions, and both economic and defence resilience. To make these strategic projects a success, we must deliver efficient permitting, investment incentives, and innovation-driven solutions. Europe must be honest about its raw materials needs and its own contribution to sustain strategic value chains.” – Rolf Kuby, Euromines Director General.

As the official list of strategic projects is published today, Euromines will continue to advocate for policies that support investment in domestic raw material production, innovation in extraction and processing technologies, and the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. Euromines calls on Member States and related national authorities to speed up permitting procedures. Only with the strong commitment of all involved actors including civil society this list of strategic represent success.

  1. A realistic extension of the deadline for achieving good water status.
  2. Amendments to the “no further deterioration” requirement, which is currently difficult to meet under existing strict interpretations.
  3. Support for maintaining the current legislative process under Article 16 regarding strategies against water pollution, ensuring a more transparent and inclusive review process.
  4. Stronger safeguards for industrial projects, ensuring the future sustainability of European extractive industries while maintaining high environmental standards.

Media contact: Anna Zanetti (zanetti@euromines.be)

Download the press release below.

Euromines releases study on the strategic importance of Magnesia in Europe

Euromines has released a study on the strategic role of magnesite and magnesia in Europe’s industrial future. These essential yet often overlooked raw materials are critical to European industry and key to securing the EU’s strategic autonomy.

Why Are Magnesite and Magnesia Essential?

Magnesite and magnesia (derived from magnesite and magnesium chloride) are indispensable to key industries and crucial for the EU’s push toward strategic autonomy. These materials are fundamental to processing and recycling over 50% of Europe’s strategic raw materials and more than 30% of its critical raw materials.

Magnesite and magnesia support over 100 applications across diverse sectors, including:

  • Agriculture
  • Metallurgy
  • Steel production
  • Battery manufacturing
  • Heating elements
  • Transformers
  • CO2 absorption and catalysts

Their unparalleled versatility makes them vital to Europe’s economic resilience and industrial sustainability

Magnesite’s Key Role in Defence and Aerospace

European magnesite possesses unique properties that make it indispensable for green steel production. In fact, 75% of global steel production relies on European magnesite to enable Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, a crucial method for producing sustainable steel. Moreover, magnesite is the only viable source for producing magnesium—a critical material for aerospace and defence—while emitting significantly less CO2 than alternative sources worldwide.

Rising Demand, Declining Supply: A Growing Risk

Despite increasing demand across industries, Europe’s magnesite and magnesia production is in decline. With rising import dependence and concentrated supply chains, the EU faces heightened geopolitical and market vulnerabilities. A University of Leoben study underscores this urgency, revealing that 50% of strategic raw materials rely on magnesia for their production.

The Urgent Need for Strategic Recognition

Without magnesite mining, there is no magnesia production. Without magnesia, Europe’s industrial ecosystem faces disruption. To secure its future, the EU must recognise magnesite and magnesia as strategic and critical raw materials. Prioritising these essential resources will safeguard Europe’s industrial resilience, sustainability, and autonomy.

Read the study below.

Euromines Safety Awards 2025: Applications now closed

We are excited to announce that the Euromines Safety Awards is back for its third edition in 2025, once again recognising and celebrating the outstanding safety initiatives within the European mining industry. The Euromines Safety Awards serves as a platform to highlight the exceptional efforts made by Euromines member companies in implementing innovative safety measures and practices that are driving the industry toward a safer and more sustainable future.

Eligibility and Application Period

Euromines warmly invites applications from all our member companies, including those affiliated through national associations. Each company can submit only one project per mine site. Applications are accepted from 20 January 2025 to 15 July 2025.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Application Form (sent via email to all members) – Include contact person details.
  2. The contact person named on the application form will receive a link to access the repository to submit project materials.
  3. Submit Project Materials – Upload a PowerPoint presentation and a video (max 3 minutes) showcasing your project’s impact and results.

Application Deadline

  • All applications must be submitted by 15 July 2025.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed by a distinguished panel of European policymakers, occupational health and safety experts, and media professionals based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation (40%)
    • How does the project stand out from existing safety initiatives, and what makes it a significant innovation or advancement?
  • Impact (30%)
    • How has the project impacted the company in terms of improved safety, reduced accidents, workers involvement and increased awareness?
  • Practicality (15%)
    • How practical is the project, and how easily can it be implemented in mining operations?
  • Financial Impact (15%)
    • What is the required investment, including implementation costs, potential savings, return on investment, and overall viability?

Key Dates

  • Application Period: 20 January 2025 to 15 July 2025
  • Jury Assessment: September 2025
  • Awards Ceremony: 8 October 2025, Brussels, Belgium

Why Participate?

  • Recognition: Gain visibility for your safety efforts at national and European levels.
  • Engagement: Connect with key industry stakeholders and potential collaborators.
  • Influence: Showcase your safety measures to policymakers.
  • All applications will be disseminated across Euromines communication channels (LinkedIn, X and Euromines website).

Need some inspiration? Click the links below:

Please find the attached guide below with detailed steps and additional information.

For more information, please contact: Cynthia Mestanza, Environment, Health & Safety Manager, (mestanza@euromines.be)

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Euromines wins the Polish Copper Employers’ Association Award for Best Practices in International Cooperation

On 10 January 2025, Euromines won the Polish Copper Employers’ Association Award in the category of Best Practices – International Cooperation. This recognition, presented during the Annual Gala held at the Sękowski Hotel in Legnica, Poland, celebrates the significant contributions of Euromines to innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in the raw materials sector.

Award Highlights

The Polish Copper Employers’ Association’s Annual Gala brought together key industry leaders, including Dr. Robert Kropiwnicki, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets, Mr. Andrzej Szydło, CEO of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., a member of Euromines, along with representatives from regional authorities, academia, business, and social partners. The awards ceremony recognised organisations that have demonstrated excellence in advancing the mining industry and supporting the development of key statutory goals.

Euromines stood out in the Best Practices – International Cooperation category for its exceptional role in fostering partnerships between mining companies, associations, and EU stakeholders. The organisation demonstrated leadership in advancing international collaboration, promoting innovation, sustainability, and environmental protection while enhancing the image of the mining industry as a socially responsible and environmentally conscious industry. 

Euromines’ Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

As the global demand for raw materials grows, Euromines remains committed to promoting responsible mining practices, reducing environmental impact, and advancing industry standards. Their work in facilitating dialogue between mining stakeholders and EU institutions ensures that the mining industry plays a key role in Europe’s green transition and the broader global sustainability agenda.

Looking Forward

This recognition underscores Euromines’ ongoing efforts to build a sustainable, innovative, and socially responsible mining industry. With continued international cooperation, Euromines is paving the way for a future where the raw materials sector not only meets the demands of modern society but does so in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities.

Thank you to the Polish Copper Employers’ Association for this honour. We look forward to continuing our work to shape the sustainable future of the mining industry in Europe.