The current shortage of magnesium has made it clear how seriously international supply bottlenecks can affect the European economy at any time: Wind turbines, solar plants, electromobility - all not possible without metallic raw materials. A secure supply of metallic raw materials such as aluminium, copper, lithium, manganese, magnesium, nickel or rare earths is therefore essential for the development of future technologies and for the ecological transformation of our economy. However, due to the change and vulnerability of international supply chains, the supply of raw materials is becoming increasingly difficult.
The associations Aluminium Deutschland, Aluminium-Verband Schweiz, BDS, EHV, VDM, WGM, WVM, WSM have formed a strategic alliance to identify options for action.
It is particularly important for the associations involved to raise public and political awareness of the issue and to highlight the challenges involved. Securing raw materials for the economy must be the focus of a future-oriented policy. The European Commission's action plan on critical raw materials is a good first approach, but should be pursued with more intensity.
As a further step, the associations involved call on the future government to appoint a raw materials commissioner. This person must be decisively responsible for a national raw materials strategy and integrate it at the European level.
Because: "Without metallic raw materials, the production lines here stand still. The federal government must not stand by and watch, but must develop an effective supply strategy," say the associations involved in the initiative.
