Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)
Europe and the raw materials challenge
Raw materials are essential for the modern economy and for key sectors such as energy, mobility, technology, and aerospace. However, Europe remains highly dependent on imports for many of these resources, which creates challenges for security of supply.
In this context, the development of responsible mining projects within Europe is essential. Initiatives such as the San Juan tungsten project aim to contribute to this objective by supplying strategic minerals produced in Europe for Europe.
The Critical Raw Materials Act
To address this challenge, the European Union has adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). Its objective is to strengthen the security of supply of strategic minerals required for the sustainability transition, digitalization, and Europe’s industrial development.
Its key priorities include:
- Increasing the production of raw materials within Europe
- Diversifying supply sources
- Promoting recycling and innovation
- Ensuring that mining projects are developed under the highest environmental and social standards
Tungsten: a strategic raw material
Tungsten is included among the European Union’s critical raw materials due to its importance for numerous industrial and technological applications.
This metal is essential for sectors such as industrial tools manufacturing, defence, and energy technologies.
In addition, global tungsten production is highly concentrated in a few countries, including China, Vietnam, and Russia. In fact, more than 80% of the world’s tungsten is produced in China (2026). This further underlines the need to develop extraction projects within Europe.
The role of the San Juan Project
The San Juan tungsten project is fully aligned with the objectives of the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act. Our vision is to contribute to Europe’s supply of strategic minerals through a project developed under responsible mining principles, with a strong focus on environmental protection, people’s safety, and engagement with local communities.
In line with Europe’s strategy to strengthen raw materials autonomy, the project is committed to producing tungsten in Europe for Europe. At the same time, it aims to generate value and opportunities at the local level, fostering economic activity, employment, and development in the region where it is located.