Sustainable CRMs4EU: Strengthening Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Supply Chains

Sustainable CRMs4EU is a collaborative initiative connecting key EU-funded projects dedicated to securing sustainable and resilient supply chains for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). By fostering research and innovation in exploration, mining, recycling, and material substitution, the cluster directly supports Europe’s green and digital transition objectives.

Through strategic collaboration between Digiecoquarry, NEW-RE (concluded), INSPIREE, PERMANET, REEsilience, HARMONY, Resilex, REEPRODUCE, PASSENGER, SALEMA (concluded), MAGELLAN, ROTATE, SCIMIN-CRM, MagNEO, GREENE, BEETHOVEN, we harness collective expertise to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy in critical raw materials. By working together, we aim to drive sustainable resource management, accelerate circular economy initiatives, and reduce Europe’s dependency on external suppliers.

The cluster welcomes partnerships with aligned EU-funded projects to amplify our impact on sustainable resource management and circular economy initiatives.

The Power of the Cluster: A Network Driving Collaboration

One aspect worth highlighting is the immense potential of the cluster as a dynamic network that brings together a diverse range of organizations, value chains, and applications in the field of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). This broad and multidisciplinary ecosystem creates countless opportunities for collaboration, fostering synergies that drive innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable solutions.

In this collaborative landscape, PERMANET fits naturally, acting as a key player in enhancing connections, facilitating cross-sector partnerships, and contributing to the shared goal of strengthening Europe's CRM supply chain. By engaging with this vast network, PERMANET maximizes its impact, reinforcing the strategic importance of networking in tackling the challenges of sustainable rare earth magnet production.

This interconnected approach not only amplifies the reach of each project within the cluster but also accelerates progress towards a more resilient and autonomous European raw materials sector.

Unlocking Synergies: Areas of Collaboration in the CRMs4EU Cluster

One of the strengths of the CRMs4EU cluster lies in its ability to foster collaboration between multiple EU-funded projects working on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). The survey conducted within the cluster has highlighted several areas of shared interest, paving the way for strategic synergies that enhance the overall impact of each project.

Four Collaborative Areas Identified

🔹 Joint Events & Outreach
Projects within the cluster have expressed a strong interest in co-hosting events, including workshops, webinars, and outreach activities. These initiatives will facilitate knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, strengthening the European ecosystem for sustainable CRM management.

🔹 Communication & Dissemination Activities
A challenge for many projects is maximizing visibility and outreach. The survey results indicate that joint communication and dissemination efforts—such as cross-promotion of findings, shared publications, and coordinated press releases—can significantly increase public awareness and policy influence.

🔹 Policy Briefing & Standardization
A major barrier to CRM sustainability is the lack of harmonized standards and regulations. By working together, projects can produce policy recommendations, regulatory proposals, and industry guidelines, ensuring a stronger and more cohesive approach to CRM governance in Europe.

🔹 Social Media Collaboration & Digital Outreach
Social media plays a crucial role in amplifying project results. The survey revealed a need for a shared strategy for social media dissemination, where projects can leverage each other’s networks to reach broader audiences and engage stakeholders more effectively.

How PERMANET Contributes to the Cluster’s Mission

As a project deeply invested in the circularity of Rare Earth Elements, PERMANET naturally integrates into this collaborative framework. By aligning with the CRMs4EU action areas, PERMANET:
✔ Strengthens the dialogue on rare earth recycling & sustainable magnet production
✔ Contributes to policy discussions on CRM circularity and recovery
✔ Supports cross-project communication efforts to boost awareness