CRMA Strategic Projects and RESourceEU Action Plan

 

The European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which entered into force in May 2024, is designed to strengthen Europe's security of supply for critical and strategic minerals needed for the energy transition, digital technologies, defence, and industrial competitiveness. By 2030, the EU aims to source at least 10% of its consumption through domestic extraction, 40% through EU processing, and 25% through recycling, while reducing dependence on any single third country to below 65%. 

First Call: Approved Strategic Projects (2025)

The first CRMA selection round resulted in the designation of 60 Strategic Projects:

• 47 projects located in the EU (approved in March 2025) 

• 13 projects located in third countries and overseas territories (approved in June 2025) 

These projects span extraction, processing, recycling, and substitution activities and cover 14 strategic minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements, copper, tungsten, and magnesium. Together they represent approximately €22.5 billion of investment and are expected to play a major role in achieving the CRMA's 2030 targets. 

Particular emphasis is placed on minerals essential for batteries and clean technologies:

• 22 lithium projects 

• 12 nickel projects 

• 10 cobalt projects 

• 11 graphite projects 

These projects are expected to enable the EU to meet its lithium and cobalt targets and significantly improve supply security for other strategic minerals. 

Second Call: Project Proposals (2025–2026)

The second CRMA call closed in January 2026 and attracted more than 160 applications, demonstrating strong market confidence in the CRMA framework. 

The application profile highlights the growing importance of strategic value chains:

• 75 applications relate to the battery value chain, making it the dominant category. 

• 21 applications focus on rare earth elements for permanent magnets, critical for wind turbines, electric vehicles, and defence technologies. 

• Additional proposals address defence-related minerals and other strategic raw materials. 

Geographically:

• 95 applications originated within the EU. 

• 66 applications came from outside the EU. 

• 40 applications were submitted from countries with which the EU has strategic raw materials partnerships. 

All proposals are undergoing technical assessment by independent experts before final selection. 

RESourceEU Action Plan

The RESourceEU Action Plan was launched to accelerate the implementation of the CRMA and ensure the rapid delivery of strategic projects. It responds to increasing geopolitical risks, concentrated supply chains, and rising demand for critical minerals. 

Key objectives include:

• Accelerating strategic project deployment through faster permitting and regulatory support. 

• Mobilising financing via EU funds, Member States, and the European Investment Bank. 

• Strengthening international partnerships to diversify supply sources. 

• Enhancing resilience and crisis preparedness through monitoring, stress testing, and coordinated response mechanisms. 

A central feature is the use of the Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act (IMERA) toolbox, enabling the EU to monitor supply chains, identify shortages, coordinate stockpiles, organise joint purchasing, and respond collectively to disruptions. 

Key Takeaway

The first CRMA round established a portfolio of 60 strategic projects worth €22.5 billion to strengthen Europe's mineral supply chains. The second round shows even stronger momentum, with battery materials and rare earth magnets emerging as the dominant priorities. Supported by the RESourceEU Action Plan, the EU is moving from policy design to implementation, seeking to build a more resilient, diversified, and secure critical minerals ecosystem for Europe's industrial and economic future

In summary

The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) is a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to secure a resilient and sustainable supply of critical minerals needed for the energy transition, digital technologies, defence and industrial competitiveness. In the first selection round, the European Commission designated 60 Strategic Projects, including 47 in the EU and 13 in partner countries and overseas territories, covering key minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements. These projects are expected to strengthen European supply chains and support the EU's 2030 objectives for extraction, processing and recycling.

The second call for Strategic Projects, which closed in January 2026, attracted more than 160 applications, demonstrating strong industry interest. The battery value chain emerged as the dominant focus, accounting for 75 applications, while 21 projects targeted rare earth elements for permanent magnets, which are essential for wind turbines, electric vehicles and defence technologies. Applications came from both EU and non-EU countries, reflecting the global importance of securing strategic mineral supplies.

To accelerate implementation, the European Commission launched the RESourceEU Action Plan, which supports Strategic Projects through faster permitting, improved access to financing, stronger international partnerships and enhanced supply chain resilience. The Action Plan also leverages the Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act (IMERA) toolbox to monitor critical mineral supply chains, coordinate responses to disruptions and strengthen Europe's economic security. Together, the CRMA, Strategic Projects and RESourceEU Action Plan form a comprehensive framework to reduce dependencies, diversify supply sources and build a more secure and competitive European minerals ecosystem.

National Critical Minerals Lists: A Comparative Guide to Global Strategies and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

 

National Critical Minerals Shaping Our World

Many countries have developed critical raw materials lists. These lists differ substantially between nations because each country defines "criticality" based on its own unique industrial needs, strategic priorities, and specific vulnerabilities within global supply chains.

Comparing National Critical Materials Lists

Here’s a comparison of the key criteria and focus for lists from major economic blocs:

European Union (EU)

• Official List Name: EU Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) & Strategic Raw Materials (SRMs)

• Number of Materials: 34 CRMs, of which 17 are designated as SRMs

• Primary Strategic Focus: Green & digital transitions (e.g., electric vehicles, renewables, defense)

• Key Criteria: High economic importance for the EU + supply risk; strong focus on sustainability and circular economy

• Example Distinct Materials: Barite, feldspar, strontium (industrial minerals)

United States (US)

• Official List Name: USGS Critical Minerals List

• Number of Materials: Over 50

• Primary Strategic Focus: National security & economic stability

• Key Criteria: Supply disruption risk + economic importance; significant emphasis on import dependence

• Example Distinct Materials: Silver, platinum, potash (precious & agricultural-related)

United Kingdom (UK)

• Official List Name: UK Critical Minerals List

• Number of Materials: Based on assessment (specific number not in sources)

• Primary Strategic Focus: Industrial resilience (aerospace, defense, automotive, etc.)

• Key Criteria: Supply concentration risk + industrial necessity

• Example Distinct Materials: Ferro-niobium, magnesium

Why Critical Materials Lists Differ

The differences arise from how each nation defines and assesses "criticality":

• Economic and Industrial Structure: A country with a large aerospace and defense industry (like the UK) may prioritize different materials (e.g., niobium for high-strength steel) than one focused on mass EV production.

• Geopolitical & Security Posture: The U.S. list's broader scope reflects a traditional security perspective, while the EU's focus stems from vulnerabilities exposed by recent supply shocks.

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Different dependencies create different priorities. For instance, the EU's high dependence on a single country for many processed materials directly shapes its list and strategic actions.

• Strategic Vision: The EU explicitly ties its list to the "twin transitions" (green and digital), embedding it within climate policy.

Global Partnerships and Value Chain Strategies

In response to concentrated supply chains, nations are forming partnerships to diversify sources and build resilience:

Major Global Partnerships:

• Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): A US-led initiative of "like-minded" countries aiming to catalyse public and private investment in responsible critical minerals projects worldwide.

• UK-US Memorandum of Understanding: A bilateral agreement to encourage private investment, share knowledge, and jointly support mining and processing projects.

• EU's Global Gateway & Bilateral Agreements: The EU uses its Global Gateway strategy to fund sustainable infrastructure and has signed partnerships, for example with South Africa, to develop "clean tech" and mineral value chains.

Value Chain Focus:

The strategic goal is to move beyond simple extraction. Initiatives aim to help resource-rich developing countries capture more value by building mid-stream processing capacity (refining, separating) and creating "forward and backward linkages" to other domestic industries. However, the EU's focus on high ESG standards and complex bureaucracy has reportedly slowed its financial deployment compared to other global players.

Key Insights and Challenges

• Diversification is Geologically Possible but Socially Complex: While mineral resources are globally dispersed, successful new projects require navigating increasing local socio-environmental conflicts and building genuine community trust, not just technical investment.

• The "Mid-Stream" is the Real Bottleneck: The most extreme concentration often occurs at the processing stage. For example, China refines nearly 90% of rare earths and over half of the world's lithium. Building alternative processing capacity is a core goal of many partnerships.

• A Trifecta of Competition: Major economies are competing for resources, not just with China, but also with each other and with resource-rich nations determined to retain more economic benefits from their own resources.

The Road Ahead

The critical minerals landscape is defined by a push for strategic autonomy and a simultaneous need for global cooperation. Success depends on a country's ability to form trusted, mutually beneficial partnerships that address the full value chain—from responsible extraction and processing to recycling—while navigating a world where resource competition is intensifying.

Here is a comparison of official critical materials lists from major economic regions. The lists differ as each country/region assesses "criticality" based on its own economic needs, vulnerabilities, and strategic goals.

Interpreting the Differences

The table shows both common concerns and distinct priorities:

• Shared Core for Clean Tech: Cobalt, Lithium, Graphite, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) appear on all lists, highlighting their universal importance for electric vehicles, renewables, and digital tech.

• Diverging Industrial & Strategic Needs: Unique listings reflect specific economic structures. The EU includes Coking coal (steelmaking) and Silicon metal (solar panels). The UK's Growth Minerals List adds Copper and Uranium for future energy infrastructure. The U.S. lists minerals like Arsenic and Cesium important for high-tech and defense, while China lists Gold (financial security) and Uranium (nuclear energy ambitions).

Current Trends and Partnerships

The policy response is moving towards greater supply chain control and partnerships:

• From Lists to Action: Lists are now linked to actionable policy. Both the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act and the UK's Vision 2035 strategy set hard targets for domestic production, processing, and recycling.

• Focus on "Midstream" Processing: A key vulnerability is that countries may mine minerals but lack the capacity to refine them into usable forms. For example, over 70% of the world's cobalt is refined in China. New policies explicitly aim to build processing capacity.

• Global Partnerships: Countries are forming alliances to diversify supply. The UK strategy emphasizes deepening international growth partnerships. The U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is a key example of countries coordinating to invest in responsible global supply chains.

The Halkidiki Metallogenetic System: A Complete Porphyry–Epithermal–Carbonate Replacement Complex in Northern Greece

 

Fig. 1: The NE Halkidiki metallogenetic evolution at a glance.  The “black stones” are not waste but a direct exploration target and a guide to rich polymetallic mineralization below.

"A Natural Laboratory for Magmatic-Hydrothermal-Structural Ore Formation"

Abstract

The northeastern Halkidiki Peninsula in central Macedonia, northern Greece, hosts one of the most complete and well-exposed magmatic-hydrothermal-structural metallogenetic systems of Tertiary age. Centered around the Skouries porphyry Cu–Au–Pd deposit, the system includes all expected deposit types of a porphyry-related province: (1) porphyry Cu–Au, (2) carbonate-replacement polymetallic (Zn–Pb–Ag–Au) deposits with supergene Fe–Mn oxides (Mavres Petres), (3) skarn (Zn–Cu), and (4) epithermal quartz–gold veins. This article presents the metallogenetic model, key structural controls, and surface expressions, integrating geological cross-sections and structural maps. The Halkidiki system serves as an exceptional training ground for geoscientists and a reference for porphyry exploration worldwide.

1. Introduction

The NE Halkidiki area is one of Greece’s most significant metallogenetic provinces. It has been mined since antiquity (Olympias, Vina) and remains active today. Unlike many eroded or poorly preserved porphyry systems, Halkidiki exhibits a full vertical and lateral zonation from deep porphyry-style mineralisation to shallow epithermal veins and supergene enrichments. This makes it a unique educational and exploration reference model.

2. Regional Geological Setting

The area belongs to the Serbo-Macedonian zone, a crystalline basement complex reworked during Alpine orogenesis. During the Tertiary (mostly Oligocene–Miocene), post-collisional extension and calc-alkaline magmatism generated a series of intrusive bodies (granodiorites, monzonites, porphyries). These intrusions were emplaced into:

• Marbles (carbonate hosts for replacement deposits and skarn)

• Gneisses and schists (hosts for vein-style deposits)

• Fault systems that controlled fluid flow and ore deposition

The result is a magmatic-hydrothermal system active from ~22 Ma to ~18 Ma.

3. The Four Main Deposit Types (Fully Developed; Fig.1)

3.1 Porphyry Cu–Au–Pd (Skouries, Fisoka)

The Skouries deposit is the core of the system. A monzonite porphyry intrusion carries disseminated and stockwork chalcopyrite, bornite, and gold, with significant palladium credits. Alteration is zoned (potassic → phyllic → propylitic). The Skouries porphyry alone represents a world-class Cu–Au resource.

3.2 Carbonate-Replacement Polymetallic Deposits (Olympias, Stratoni, Mavres Petres)

When the same hydrothermal fluids migrated into marble beds, they formed massive, stratabound, and fault-controlled Zn–Pb–As–Ag–Au–Sb bodies. These are the Olympias and Stratoni mines. At surface, these sulfide bodies oxidize to form Mavres Petres (Black Rocks) – Fe–Mn oxides/hydroxides enriched in base and precious metals. These supergene “black stones” are a direct exploration vector to rich polymetallic sulphide replacement bodies at depth.

3.3 Skarn (Madem Lakkos)

At the contact between porphyry intrusions and carbonate rocks, Zn–Cu skarn formed. Madem Lakkos is a typical example, with garnet, pyroxene, and sulphides (sphalerite, chalcopyrite).

3.4 Epithermal Quartz–Gold Veins (e.g., Vina area)

Along fault-controlled silicification zones, epithermal and epi-mesothermal quartz veins carry Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn, and As. These represent the shallowest, brittle expression of the system.

Fig. 2: The Vina zone is not an isolated occurrence but part of the same structural-metallogenetic framework that feeds the Olympias–Stratoni–Skouries complex.

4. Structural Control: The Vina Fault Zone (Fig. 2)

As shown in the attached structural map, a major epi-mesothermal fault-hosted metalliferous zone trends through the broader area. Sub-areas identified include:

• Vina

• Zepkos

• Papades

• Gyftissa

• Giannavos

• Koutsoumbos

These structures acted as conduits for hydrothermal fluids, localizing epithermal Au–Ag–Pb–Zn–Fe–Mn–As mineralisation. The map also shows the proximity to Olympias, demonstrating the lateral continuity of the system over several kilometres.

5. Schematic Metallogenetic Model (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1 (schematic cross-section) beautifully illustrates:

• Upper part: “Mavres Petres” (black rocks) – supergene Fe–Mn oxides formed by oxidation of sulfides.

• Below: Massive polymetallic sulphide replacement bodies (manto/Olympias-type).

• Deeper: The Skouries porphyry Cu–Au system, with stockwork and disseminated mineralisation.

• Vertical exaggeration (2×) and scale (~125,000) are indicated.

This cross-section is critical for understanding vertical zoning:

Surface geochemical anomalies (Fe–Mn, As, Sb, Au) → At depth → Zn–Pb–Ag–Au massive sulphides → Further depth → Cu–Au porphyry.

6. Why Halkidiki is a “Training Spot” for Geoscientists

For an aspiring economic geologist, Halkidiki offers hands-on learning in:

• Porphyry alteration mapping

• Carbonate replacement textures

• Supergene oxidation and enrichment

• Fault-hosted epithermal veins

7. Conclusions

The NE Halkidiki metallogenetic system is a Tertiary, porphyry-centered, structurally controlled ore province where all major deposit types are preserved and accessible. The two attached figures – a conceptual cross-section and a structural geology map – are not merely illustrative but operational tools for exploration. As global demand for Cu, Au, Zn, and Pb rises, Halkidiki stands as both a production district and a geoscientific reference model.

Suggested Reading & Keywords

Porphyry Cu–Au, carbonate replacement, epithermal gold, Mavres Petres, Skouries, Olympias, Stratoni, Serbo-Macedonian massif, supergene oxidation, structural metallogeny.

Relevant reference sources

 Porphyry & Magmatic System

This group focuses on the Skouries porphyry Cu-Au-Pd-Pt deposit, which sits at the core of the hydrothermal system.

• Economou-Eliopoulos, M., Zaccarini, F., & Garuti, G. (2023). Fertility Indicators for Porphyry-Cu-Au+Pd±Pt Deposits: Evidence from Skouries, Chalkidiki Peninsula, Greece. Minerals, 13(11), 1413.

o Why it matters: Directly addresses the unique PGE (Platinum Group Elements) enrichment at Skouries. It compares fertile vs. barren magmas, supporting the mantle-source theory.

• Eliopoulos, D. G., & Economou-Eliopoulos, M. (1991). Platinum-Group Element and Gold Contents in the Skouries Porphyry-Copper deposit. Economic Geology, 86(4), 740-749.

o Why it matters: The foundational paper confirming the high Pd-Pt content of Skouries, linking geochemical data to the observed mineral assemblages.

• Zhang, X., Nie, F., & Wang, J. (2015). Geological characteristics and metallogenic model of the Skouries porphyry copper-gold-platinum group element deposit, Greece. Geological Bulletin of China, 34(6), 1203-1216.

o Why it matters: A comprehensive overview (in English) of the deposit’s characteristics, alteration zones (potassic, propylitic), and age constraints (emplacement at ~19 Ma).

 Carbonate Replacement & Supergene (Mavres Petres)

This group supports the section on carbonate-replacement deposits (Olympias, Stratoni) and the origin of Mavres Petres (Black Rocks).

• Siron, C. R., et al. (2018). Origin of Au-Rich Carbonate-Hosted Replacement Deposits of the Kassandra Mining District. Economic Geology.

o Why it matters: A definitive study on the Olympias and Madem Lakkos deposits. It explains the transition from skarn to massive sulfide and the dilution of magmatic fluids by meteoric water (crucial for understanding the supergene process).

• Kalogeropoulos, S. I., Frei, R., Nikolaou, M., & Gerouki, F. (1990). Origin and metallogenetic significance of the Tertiary Stratoni "Granodiorite". Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece, 26, 23-38.

o Why it matters: Uses isotopic evidence to link the Stratoni granodiorite to the mineralization, clarifying the magmatic-hydrothermal connection you described.

• HELLINGWERF R., ARVANITIDIS  N. D. et al. (1993) : Ore geology, exploration tools and new targets  for non-outcropping ore deposits in Chalkidiki N. Greece final report in : IGME-EEC project : MA2M-0015 : "Carbonate-hosted precious and base metal mineralization in Greece : development new exploration strategies.

 Structural & Tectonic Controls

This group is essential for integrating your second image (Map of Vina) and explaining the structural framework.

• Siron, C. R., Rhys, D., Thompson, J. F. H., et al. (2018). Structural controls on porphyry Au-Cu and Au-rich polymetallic carbonate-hosted replacement deposits of the Kassandra mining district. Economic Geology, 113(2), 309-345.

o Why it matters: The best reference for the Vina-Stratoni fault system. It details how extensional tectonics and specific fault geometries controlled the location of the ore bodies, validating the "structural control" point in your article.

• Thedoroudis A. C., Arvanitides N., Dimou E. - (1999) - Geology and ore mineralogy in the Vina area, NE Chalkidiki - I.G.M.E. Thessaloniki. Internal report (In Greek) p.34, 1999.

 Educational & Contextual Resources

• Arvanitidis, N. (2012). New metallogenetic concepts and sustainability perspectives for non-energy metallic minerals in Central Macedonia, Greece. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece, 43(5), 2437-2448.

o Why it matters: Provides the regional context for why this area is a "natural laboratory," synthesizing the metallogeny of the broader Serbo-Macedonian zone.

• Mindat.org – Skouries Deposit.

o Why it matters: A reliable, community-sourced database listing all known mineral species from the district, including rare PGE minerals like merenskyite, which you can use to verify specific mineralogy.