Critical materials, the EU, the Nordic mining cluster and China − background and reflections

Starting with the Critical Raw Materials Act launched in 2024 by the European Commission and the focus on Rare Earth Elements the paper discusses the criticality concept and the Chinese dominance in the production of these and other critical materials. The paper presents an overview of the developments of the Chinese mining industry during the 20 th century. The role of China in global supply of minerals is scrutinised and its dominant role is questioned both in relative terms and when compared to its huge demands. It is common knowledge that the EU has to import a large share of its demand for metals. What is less well known is that also China suffers from a similar imbalance, importing a large share of the metal raw materials it uses. This shared experience of import dependence for vital metal raw materials should form the basis for discussions between China and the EU, notwithstanding the geopolitical conflict between the US and China, about issues of future global supply of metals and minerals. The strong Nordic mining cluster could be an important factor in such discussions. In this Cluster the EU has a strong basis of world class mining technology and equipment which could facilitate discussion with China and mineral-rich countries in the Global South as well. Potential areas in which to start discussions with China could be green mining technologies and equipment, health and safety in mining, environment, contract models, how to improve public perception of mining and geology and exploration.