Rare Earth Geopolitics: Europe Challenges China's Monopoly
Rare earths are 17 chemical elements crucial to the green and digital transition. Today, they represent the new “black gold” of the global economy, sparking a veritable race for independent sourcing.
Why are they essential?
These metals are not rare in nature, but they are complex and polluting to extract and refine. They are irreplaceable components for:
Electric mobility: Permanent magnets for zero-emission engines.
Clean energy: Next-generation wind turbines and solar inverters.
Everyday technology: Microchips for smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Defense and aerospace: Missile guidance systems, satellites, and radar.
Beijing's monopoly
Europe is in an extremely vulnerable position due to China’s control:
60% of global mining takes place in China.
90% of global refining is centralized in Chinese plants.
Geopolitical risk: Beijing has already imposed restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium as a political lever.
The EU's response: The Critical Raw Materials Act
To eliminate this dependence by 2030, the European Union has launched a strategy defining binding internal targets:
Local mining: Obtain at least 10% of its needs from European mines.
Internal refining: Process at least 40% of materials within EU borders.
Urban recycling: Obtain at least 25% of metals from recovered electronic waste.
Diversification: Maximum 65% of supplies from a single third country.