The Finnish Network for Sustainable Mining organised a high-level seminar on European Raw Materials in the 2020s. The event was held in Helsinki on 15 October, and it brought together leading experts and decision-makers representing different nationalities and policy sectors.

The common denominator among the speakers was how to provide the necessary legal framework and raw materials required by the energy transition, while securing social and environmental sustainablity to achieve low-carbon objectives.

A lot of work needs to be done in the fields of research, traceability of commodities and policy planning to ensure a stable regulatory framework, which would allow long-term investment perspectives in Europe. It remains clear, however, that these challenges cannot be outsourced to third countries but that Europe should take additional responsibility in raw materials production to ensure different aspects of sustainability.

Presentations were made by MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (pre-recorded video), Director Corina Hebestreit from Euromines, EU Government Affairs Manager Fabrice Stassin from Umicore, Permanent Secretary Hannele Pokka from the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, Conservation Director Jouni Nissinen from the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Head of Unit Bettina Doeser from DG ENV at the European Commission (live recording), Legal Adviser Erja Werdi from the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, Minister of Economic Affairs Katri Kulmuni (live recording), and President of Eurometaux and CEO of Boliden Mikael Staffas.

The seminar was broadcasted and recorded so that it could be followed also from distance. The recordings of each of the presentations can be downloaded from the following link.