Permitting for critical raw materials projects
If your business is planning to build, expand or repurpose a facility to extract, process or recycle critical raw materials, you may need permits before your project can proceed. Some of these projects may qualify as Strategic Projects and benefit from faster permitting procedures, access to support services and help in identifying funding opportunities.
What is a critical raw materials project?
A critical raw materials project is a project that involves building a new facility, or significantly expanding or repurposing an existing facility, to extract, process or recycle critical raw materials. Examples include mines, refineries, processing plants, and recycling facilities.
Warning
Critical raw materials (CRMs) are raw materials considered essential for the EU economy and subject to a high risk of supply disruption. CRMs are designated at EU level, and the current list can be consulted on the Commission's Critical and Strategic Materials (RMIS) website.What permits are needed?
The permits and authorisations that you may need to develop a critical raw materials project depend on the nature and location of your project. They may include:
- building permits
- chemical permits
- grid connection permits
- environmental assessments and authorisations
Additional national, regional or local requirements may also apply depending on the EU country and the specific characteristics of the project.
How the permitting process works
Permits are issued at national level and, in some cases, at regional or local level. To move your project forward, you should contact the CRM Single Point of Contact for the EU country where your project is located.
The SPC is there to guide you through the permitting process. The SPC:
- acts as the main administrative interface
- indicates which permits apply to your project
- explains procedures and timelines for environmental, construction and energy approvals
- helps coordinate the authorities involved in issuing different permits and approvals
Contacting your SPC early can help avoid delays and support a smoother permitting process.
What is a Strategic Project?
A Strategic Project is a critical raw materials project recognised by the European Commission as making a significant contribution to securing the EU’s supply of strategic raw materials. These projects can be located inside or outside of the EU.
Benefits of Strategic Projects
Strategic projects may benefit from:
- faster and more predictable permitting procedures for projects located in the EU
- maximum permitting timelines of up to 27 months for extraction projects and up to 15 months for processing and recycling projects
- support in identifying financing opportunities
- easier access to business support services.
Criteria for Strategic Projects
To qualify as a Strategic Project, your project should:
- help strengthen the EU supply of strategic raw materials
- be technically feasible and able to move forward within a reasonable timeframe
- be developed in a sustainable way
- have cross-border benefits for EU based projects or mutual benefits for projects based in 3rd countries
Check the Commission’s list of approved strategic projects to see what kind of projects have already been selected.
How to apply for Strategic Project status
Applications for Strategic Project status are submitted to the European Commission using an online application form. To apply for Strategic Project status, follow the steps below.
Prepare your application
Before applying, make sure you have all the necessary information and supporting documents needed to demonstrate that your project meets the Strategic Project criteria.
Applications typically include information on:
- the project timeline
- the permits needed and the status of the permitting process
- the project’s technical and financial viability
- environmental and social impacts
- engagement with local communities where relevant
Detailed guidance and the application form are available from the European Commission.
Submit your application
Applications must be submitted using the application form provided by the European Commission.
The Commission reviews applications for completeness and may request additional information where necessary.
Once the application is considered complete:
- it is assessed against Strategic Project criteria
- the relevant national authorities and the European Critical Raw Materials Board are consulted
- a final decision is taken by the European Commission.
The Commission should normally adopt a decision within 90 days after confirming the application is complete.
Warning
Check the official Strategic Project guidance for applicants including the information on the application process, supporting information for the online application form and the assessment procedure.Funding and support
CRM Strategic Projects may receive support to improve access to finance and attract private investment. Support may include:
- opportunities to attract private investment
- financing from the European Investment Bank and other financial institutions
- national funding programmes and support schemes
- EU funding and financing programmes