2629 industrial policy, sustainability imperatives, and geopolitical positioning into a unified resilience framework (Baker McKenzie, 2024). This paper synthesises policy analysis with operational and technical insights to chart how Europe can translate CRMA ambitions into concrete strategies. It systematically evaluates the structural supply challenges, dissects the logic and emerging practice of Europe’s distinctive partnership model, and identifies operational pathways capable of delivering measurable results within this critical decade. 2. UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE 2.1 A broader portfolio and accelerating demand trajectory The convergence of energy transition imperatives and digital transformation has fundamentally expanded the scope of materials classified as "critical," creating demand patterns that reflect enduring structural shifts rather than temporary cyclical pressures. Each electric vehicle incorporates approximately six times more minerals by weight than a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle, while offshore wind installations require massive quantities of copper for cabling, manganese for structural steel, and rare earths for generator magnets (Soares, Spers & Jhunior, 2025). The International Energy Agency projects that total demand for critical minerals could quadruple by 2040 under current clean energy trajectories. As early as 2017, the World Bank Group pointed out in the study "The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low-Carbon Future" that a low-carbon future will require significantly more minerals than a "business as usual" scenario. Figure 1: Minerals for Climate Action: The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition, World bank group 2022 A more recent World Bank analysis shows that clean energy technologies will massively increase demand for certain minerals compared with 2018 production levels. Battery materials—especially graphite, lithium, and cobalt—will see the strongest growth, in some cases requiring up to five times today’s output. By 2050, the largest absolute production increases are expected for aluminum, graphite, and nickel. Graphite stands out in both percentage and volume: around 4.5 million tons will be needed annually by 2050
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