Europe’s mining industry at a crossroads: Let’s make progress on the journey together
Joachim Braun, Division President, ABB’s Process Industries division
As mining companies, machine builders and technology leaders, Europe’s mining industry community is acutely aware that we stand at an intersection with decisions to make for the future. As 2026 begins, global demand for critical metals and minerals continues to rise. It is expected to increase by more than 50% by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025. While this places us firmly in a strong, sought after position with renewed potential, European operators face mounting pressure to strengthen domestic supply while meeting ambitious decarbonization and safety expectations.
For me, as a European who has lived in Germany, France and around the world in my career roles, I see the changing landscape from various angles – close to my home I have some of the largest lithium deposits on our continent. ABB is active here, notably with Vulcan Energy. The projects will be crucial to global battery supply chains. The challenges exist but they need a mindset of pragmatic innovation that delivers measurable progress without waiting for absolutely ideal conditions.
According to our Mining’s Moment report, 73% of mining leaders now believe that transformation requires more innovative approaches to technology and risk management. Yet a common misconception persists, that modernization must be sweeping, immediate and disruptive. In truth, Europe’s mining landscape, characterized by mature operations and strict permitting regimes, is ideally suited to incremental, scalable deployment. At the same time productivity and uptime must are core to meet targets and thrive.
ABB’s Mining’s Moment research reinforces this shift, showing that 77% of leaders identify electrification, automation and digitalization as essential tools for reshaping operations. Throughout Europe, we see how targeted advancements are already creating meaningful impact. Collaborative efforts with Swedish companies demonstrate the value of steady, actionable innovation.
Our long-standing cooperation with LKAB, formalised through a strategic technology partnership, is accelerating the maturity of next-generation automation, electrification and digital systems aimed at building the all-electric, digitalized mine. This includes work on advanced energy systems, robotics and optimized production management that supports LKAB’s broader transformation journey.
Similarly, together with Boliden and Epiroc, we helped realize the industry’s first battery‑electric trolley truck system for underground mining, demonstrating how electrified haulage can rapidly reduce emissions while improving working condition. This is another important milestone on Europe’s path to fossil‑free mining.
Such progress extends beyond productivity and sustainability. Safety remains the foundation of European mining, which is why I am especially proud of ABB’s recent recognition at the Euromines Safety Awards for our automated robotic solution enabling remote blasting operations. Developed with partners including Boliden and LKAB, this technology removes workers from high‑risk zones and automates one of the last manual processes in underground mining.
These examples illustrate the power of measured innovation: small, confident steps that compound into major advances. For 2026, I encourage operators to pilot rapidly, choose modular systems that evolve with mine needs and collaborate deeply with technology partners.
Europe’s mining future will be built not on perfection, but on progress. Using technologies and expertise that exist today will allow us to pull away from any crossroads we come to on our journey. Consistent, practical innovations, step-by-step will strengthen resilience, enhance safety and facilitate collaborations that make a difference. As decision makers and partners to this industry we must hold onto our duties to uphold our leadership in responsible resource development. We have the map, we have the keys, so let’s continue to find what unites us and drive forward.
Joachim Braun
Division President
ABB’s Process Industries division