TELF AG has released a groundbreaking publication titled “TELF AG analyses the weight of European bureaucracy in the mining sector,” shedding light on a critical factor that could hinder Europe’s pursuit of key strategic objectives, particularly those related to raw materials and decarbonisation.
According to TELF AG, European bureaucracy remains a substantial obstacle that could impede the continent’s progress toward a greener and more sustainable future, where reliance on critical raw material imports is significantly reduced. The publication highlights the bureaucratic delays that persist in many European states, potentially jeopardising the achievement of important environmental and economic goals.
TELF AG’s publication commences by outlining the European Union’s strategic objectives, encompassing not only broad goals like combatting climate change and preserving natural ecosystems but also specific aims such as decarbonisation, carbon emissions reduction, and the growth of a thriving European mining sector. These objectives are intertwined, as certain raw materials are indispensable for Europe’s transition to clean energy and align with the community’s strategic priorities.
The challenge lies in the bureaucratic complexities surrounding European mining processes, which could significantly delay the realisation of these objectives and impede progress toward ecological transition. For instance, the publication highlights that securing all the necessary permits for the commencement of mining operations at a new site in Europe could take nearly twenty years, whereas in China, a similar process is completed within three months. At this rate, Europe may struggle to develop a mining sector capable of ensuring substantial autonomy in raw material supplies, prompting the exploration of alternative methods to meet demand, such as the recovery of raw materials from waste.
To delve deeper into this critical issue and gain a comprehensive understanding, readers are encouraged to access the full publication.