Focus group in Northern France tackles Europe’s CRM supply and the role of regulation, rights, and community engagement
Introduction
On May 15, 2025, a diverse group of experts convened in Lens, a city in northern France, for a dynamic focus group centered on the future of Critical Raw Materials (CRM). Organised within the framework of the CIRAN project—co-funded by the European Union—the session addressed the environmental, social, and political dimensions of CRM extraction in Europe.
The event was co-organised by ACOM France, in close collaboration with ALDA and some members of the CIRAN consortium. Most participants were specialists in the field of critical raw materials, bringing a wealth of technical insight and practical experience to the discussion. The session, held in French, provided a space for in-depth reflection on Europe’s role in the global CRM landscape.
Main information
The focus group unfolded in an interactive, dialogue-based format built around a series of six key questions. These prompted participants to consider long-term scenarios for CRM production in Europe, as well as the broader implications for society and nature:
- What would happen if Europe stopped producing its own critical raw materials over the next 20 years?
- Conversely, what would happen if Europe maintained or increased its CRM production?
- What should the requirements be regarding environmental protection, workers’ rights, community interests, and public health?
- Are citizens sufficiently involved in decision-making processes related to CRM exploration and exploitation?
- Do current mining policies, laws, and regulations—especially those concerning protected areas—need to be adjusted? If so, how? To enable mining, or to better protect nature?
Throughout the morning, participants engaged in open conversation, sharing technical, ethical, and policy perspectives. The diversity of viewpoints led to a rich and multi-layered dialogue.
Key takeaways from the dialogue
• A shared recognition emerged that democratic processes are essential to the legitimacy and sustainability of mining initiatives. Mining without democracy, participants agreed, “will not work.”
• Community engagement from the very beginning of CRM exploration and extraction projects was emphasised as non-negotiable. Transparent dialogue and early consultation were seen as essential to building trust.
• Participants stressed the importance of regulatory enforcement. Both European and national authorities were called upon to uphold high standards for environmental and social protection.
Conclusion: local insights for European Policy
The Lens focus group contributes essential expert perspectives to CIRAN’s broader mission: building inclusive, democratic, and sustainable governance models for CRM in Europe. Alongside similar events held in Italy, Portugal, Czechia, Slovakia, and Ireland, the insights gathered in Lens will inform policy recommendations that respect both Europe’s resource needs and its environmental and social values.
A detailed report of the discussions in Lens will be prepared and included in a dedicated CIRAN project deliverable. Based on this and other local dialogues, the project will also produce policy recommendations for the European Commission, aiming to support the development of just, transparent, and effective CRM strategies across the EU.
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