In December 2024, NATO published a list of 12 defence-critical raw materials essential for the production of military equipment and advanced defence systems.
Global supplies of strategic raw materials are highly concentrated. China dominates the supply of several metals important to the defence industry, including gallium, germanium and tungsten. This increases Europe’s dependence on external suppliers and highlights the importance of recycling and recovering valuable metals from secondary raw materials.
According to the European Court of Auditors, securing the supply of critical raw materials needed for the EU’s energy transition by 2030 remains a significant challenge. Recovering valuable metals from secondary sources and expanding recycling capacity can help strengthen Europe’s raw material security and reduce dependence on external suppliers.
Sources
NATO, 11 December 2024 – NATO releases list of 12 defence-critical raw materials.
European Court of Auditors, Special Report 04/2026 – Critical raw materials for the energy transition.