By 2040, through the recycling of exhausted batteries, the EU could satisfy more than half of the demand for lithium (52%) and cobalt (58%) activated by electric mobility. This is supported by a research by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, “Ecological and digital transition: the point on critical raw materials”. According to the study, the recycling of disused technological products, which are growing rapidly and have a high concentration of critical raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, baauxite and rare earths, offers interesting potential. Another promising sector is that of extractive waste, stored in large quantities in Italy, and a possible alternative source of secondary raw materials.
However, recycling by itself is not sufficient to ensure the strategic autonomy of the EU, continues the CDP. The countries of the European Union have a dependence on imports of these materials of over 80%. According to estimates by the European Commission, by 2050 the annual demand for lithium by the EU could increase by 56 times compared to current levels, that of cobalt by 15, while for rare earths it could increase tenfold. The EU is therefore exposed to potential interruptions in the supply of critical raw materials, due to limited internal production and dependence on supplies from countries characterized by high geopolitical risk. According to Cdp’s research, investments in technologies, skills and competences are needed to manage the life cycle of critical raw materials within the EU borders. The research hopes for the relaunch of mining activities in a sustainable key on the Community territory and strategic partnerships with third countries rich in critical raw materials.
The issue is at the center of the European debate and should lead, in March, to the issuing of the European Critical Raw Materials Act, focused on the diversification of supplies and the promotion of circularity. Also in Italy, just in recent days, the “National Table for critical subjects” was activated, promoted in the new format by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy and by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, with all the public actors and private.
Source: Ansa
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