Critical raw materials chains: 5 opportunities for the Amsterdam region

The energy transition, technology, security and healthcare cannot do without critical raw materials. Substances like lithium and cobalt are scarce and their production and processing is largely done outside Europe. Developments such as the war in Ukraine and geopolitical-economic tensions also make us vulnerable to disruptions in international supply chains. The EU has therefore adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act. In the Netherlands, a National Raw Materials Strategy was set up.

Report on critical raw materials

The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) recently published the report: ‘Critical raw materials in the Dutch provinces of North Holland and Flevoland – Towards resilient supply chains‘ (pdf). In it they examined the opportunities and challenges for our region. The Amsterdam Economic Board was involved in the design of this study.

North Holland and Flevoland, for example, house many wind farms, solar parks and data centers, which require many critical raw materials. This offers many opportunities to recover these raw materials. There is also a strong base of innovative companies and knowledge institutions for circular initiatives. Precisely because of this, the region can lead the way in the smarter and more sustainable use of raw materials.

Collaborating on chains

The researchers see five ways to work together as a region to future-proof raw materials chains:

• Encourage a circular life cycle for new wind farms, data centers and the power grid
• Improve the circularity of cars, in collaboration with European partners
• Support recyclers in expanding their services
• Commit to extending the life cycle of machinery and electrical equipment
• Focus on knowledge development and innovation.

Future raw material chains are a joint task. At the Amsterdam Economic Board, we connect companies, governments, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations so that we can work towards a resilient and circular system. In doing so, we not only reduce our dependence on scarce raw materials, but also strengthen the earning capacity and liveability of our region.