The rush to extract critical minerals from drought-stricken regions has hit a hurdle in Europe. Amid concerns over the impact on water resources, the European Commission is planning to rewrite its primary water protection legislation, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), to facilitate the development of strategic mines across the continent.
Analysis by Watershed Investigations suggests that 55% of the 33 new or expanded 'strategic projects' under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act are situated in areas experiencing drying trends over the past two decades, based on NASA satellite data. Nearly half of these sites have faced drought conditions within the last three months, according to EU records, with a quarter located in regions officially classified as water-stressed. Spain, Portugal, and Greece – all among the top ten EU nations for water scarcity – are set to host several of these mines, including six highly water-stressed areas in Spain alone.
Mining is inherently water-intensive, requiring substantial volumes for ore processing, dust suppression, and waste management. While modern projects incorporate water recycling, demand remains significant, potentially exacerbating pressure on already strained rivers, aquifers, and local water supplies in drought-prone areas. Countries like Spain have recently declared states of emergency due to severe droughts, underscoring the existing challenges.
The EU's push for critical minerals stems from a global surge in demand, which has tripled since 2010, driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and defence systems. Demand is projected to more than double again by 2030, with specific minerals like graphite, lithium, and cobalt expected to see nearly a 500% increase by 2050 compared to 2020 levels. Concerned about its reliance on imports, the EU has fast-tracked 47 mining, processing, and recycling projects, including 33 mines, to bolster its domestic supply.
Environmental groups, such as Ecologistas en Acción, have expressed strong opposition, challenging the Commission's decision to grant strategic project status to all six Spanish mines. They argue that environmental risks, particularly to water resources, biodiversity, and protected areas, have not been adequately considered. Euromines, the trade association representing Europe's mining industry, has advocated for legislative changes, seeking longer deadlines for water quality targets and amendments to the WFD's 'no deterioration' rule, though they insist this is not a 'licence to pollute'. The European Commission maintains that strategic projects are independently assessed and must comply with EU environmental law, and that the WFD review aims to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.