‘It’s Russian roulette’: alarm as Europe backs critical minerals mines in water-stressed regions
Summary
The European Commission plans to speed up mining projects for critical minerals needed in technology and green energy by changing water protection laws. Many of these mines are in parts of Europe with limited water, raising concerns about water shortages and environmental impacts.Key Facts
- Mining requires a lot of water for processing ore, controlling dust, managing waste, and removing water from mines.
- Over half of the 33 new or expanded critical mineral mines in the EU are in areas that have been drying in the last 20 years.
- Nearly half of these mines are in drought-affected zones, and a quarter are in water-stressed regions.
- Spain, Portugal, and Greece, where several mines are planned, face severe water scarcity.
- Environmental groups worry these mine projects may harm water resources and natural habitats.
- The EU wants to reduce reliance on imports by developing its own critical mineral sources.
- The EU aims to revise its water protection law to help mining projects move faster through approval processes.
- The mining industry supports changes that provide clearer rules and more time to meet water quality goals, while the EU Commission says projects must still follow environmental laws.
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