Background

摘要

The Commission's working group has established a list of 14 critical raw materials at EU level, including magnesium, cobalt, niobium, fluorspar, platinum, gallium, rare earths, graphite and tungsten. These raw materials are very important for high tech products. For instance, cobalt is used in batteries, gallium in photovoltaic cells, platinum in fuel cells and catalysts. Some of the suggestions made in the Commission's report include bringing up restrictions of raw material exports as an issue with the World Trade Organisation. The EU should also foster mining, diversify supply sources and promote greater recycling.