On 11 March 2026, alongside World Bank Group we convened a webinar to examine the role of critical raw materials (CRMs) in driving sustainable economic recovery. The discussion moved beyond the traditional focus on raw extraction, exploring how “Corridors for Opportunity” can foster industrial ecosystems, link mining to energy and manufacturing, and create employment within resource-rich regions.
The session provided a platform for experts from Europe, Africa, and Latin America to address the disconnect between mineral wealth and local development. Participants explored the technical and political hurdles to achieving “win-win” partnerships, particularly in the context of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the competitive global landscape for green transition minerals.
The proceedings were opened by Stefania Lenoci (World Bank Group), who framed the urgency of shifting from simple commodity exports to value-added development. The subsequent panel was moderated by Iliana Olivié (ETTG and Elcano Royal Institute), with chat moderation provided by Daniele Fattibene (ETTG).
The discussion was structured around two rounds of interventions, focusing on the dilemmas of productivity gains and strategic autonomy.
-
Regional Challenges and Management: Claude Kabemba (Southern Africa Resource Watch) and Jorge Cantallopts (Centro de Estudios del Cobre y la Minería) provided insights into the African and Latin American contexts. They assessed current initiatives, such as the Lobito Corridor and Chile’s copper industry management, noting that infrastructure constraints and power reliability remain significant barriers to local processing.
-
The EU’s Development Offer: Poorva Karkare (ECDPM) analysed the European Union’s proposal for CRMs. The conversation highlighted the need to fine-tune the Global Gateway to ensure it results in structural economic change rather than just securing supply chains for European industry.
-
Strategic Autonomy vs. Development: Judith Arnal (Elcano Royal Institute) addressed the internal contradictions within the EU’s approach. While the EU seeks to de-risk from external powers, there remains a lack of investment in domestic mining in member states like Poland and Sweden, complicating a “whole-of-government” approach that balances security with international development.
During the session, an audience poll identified the primary obstacles to successful CRM partnerships. Participants pointed to Geopolitical competition with other global powers (such as China) and to fragmented coordination across EU institutions, Member States and partner governments, including the Global Gateway strategy as most critical hurdles for a “win-win” partnership on CRMs between the EU and resource-rich countries.
The panel concluded with a call for more strategic, business-oriented visions for CRMs. The event closed with remarks from Sven Ulrich Renner (World Bank Group), who emphasised the importance of multilateral cooperation in ensuring the energy transition is both equitable and job-rich.
Discussions of this webinar will feed an upcoming ETTG blog.
