Minerals in the future of Europe

This paper deals with the future of mining in Europe but in the framework of a global pandemic. We have analysed the various prognosis of global growth trends and the future of mining in Europe, on the basis of the known statistical data of what has happened so far. Several case studies are included, and a proposal of a strong EU reaction to really be successful in the plans designed when the Raw Material Initiative was planned is suggested. The incredible mining potential of the EU as well as its technological leadership is here presented to demonstrate that, if politically supported, these can bring back Europe to the leading role in mining it had in the past.