What is the intergenerational impact of mining? What safeguards need to be put in place to ensure intergenerational justice when mining occurs? 

Resource consumption is projected to rise dramatically in the next few years. Data from the Global Resource Outlook of 2024 states that “without urgent and concerted action to change the way resources are used, material resource extraction could increase by almost 60 per cent from 2020 levels by 2060, from 100 to 160 billion tonnes, far exceeding what is required to meet essential human needs for all in line with the SDGs.” To support the projected demand for resources, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), adopted in 2023 by the EU, is pushing for increased extraction and processing of raw materials. As part of this effort, it encourages Strategic Projects to extract, process and recycle critical raw materials in the EU and pushes for identifying Strategic Partnerships with third countries to diversify the EU’s current supply chain. 

In this interactive panel discussion, organised and moderated by Generation Climate Europe (GCE) as part of the European Raw Materials Coalition, civil society organisations come together to discuss the intergenerational implications of mining in light of the Critical Raw Materials Act. Speakers will showcase how EU mining ambitions affect young people and future generations both in the EU and in third countries. The event will highlight the safeguards needed to protect young people and future generations from the harmful effects of raw material extraction, processing, and disposal. Additionally, it will emphasise the importance of meaningfully involving youth in decision-making related to these issues. This conversation comes at a pivotal moment in European politics, coinciding with the start of the new European Commission’s mandate and the appointment of a Commissioner dedicated to intergenerational fairness.

For any further questions or information, feel free to contact us at circulareconomy@gceurope.org.