Industry Meeting VDMA Mining & Minerals at Zeche Zollverein: Europe focuses on its own mining industry
25.11.2025The Critical Raw Materials Act has brought Europe's raw material supply into focus. The industry must invest in technology and expertise, which is why mining technology manufacturers expect moderate growth in the coming years.
© VDMA
For the current year 2025, manufacturers of mining and processing technology at production sites in Germany are expecting a nominal increase in sales of 3 %. The 2 % increase in orders received in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period last year initially points to zero growth for 2026 in view of global uncertainties. “At least the current level is being maintained,” according to the industry.
Dr. Marcus Wirtz, who was confirmed in his honorary position as Chairman of VDMA Mining & Minerals during the annual industry meeting of the General Assembly, emphasizes: "To avoid being held hostage, we must become as independent as possible from China when it comes to the supply of raw materials. This also means that we must accept socially that new commodity sites are being developed in Europe. With good planning and in cooperation with the local communities concerned, this can be done in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. We are ready to supply the latest technology for this purpose."
© VDMA
Stefan Romedahl, President of the Swedish company Boliden Mines and guest speaker at the industry meeting, inspired reflection: “Our society needs raw materials. We should extract what we can in Europe. Here we can control the processes, but not abroad. The Critical Raw Materials Act is a first step on this long road.”
With the European Critical Raw Materials Act coming into force on May 23, 2024, 10 % of raw materials are to come from European mining and 40 % are to be processed in Europe by 2030. Investments in new technologies and the development of lost expertise are therefore urgently needed, especially in processing technology.
International projects also offer opportunities, but German manufacturers are often at a disadvantage because there is a lack of financing options available in Germany. This topic was the subject of a lively debate at the VDMA Mining & Minerals industry meeting on November 20, 2025. Michael Waitz, Head of Mining & Metals at KfW-IPEX Bank, answered questions from members. “There are international financing solutions, particularly those involving export guarantees, which can be very attractive with the right bank,” explained Waitz.
