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Kritische Rohstoffe (CRMA)
In brief
Critical raw materials are raw materials that are particularly important for the EU economy and whose supply is at the same time uncertain, for example because they come predominantly from a few countries. The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA, Regulation (EU) 2024/1252) lists 34 critical raw materials, including 17 strategic ones. Many of them are found in IT hardware, which is why reuse and recycling of decommissioned devices are gaining importance.
What the Critical Raw Materials Act regulates
The regulation has been in force since May 23, 2024. For strategic raw materials, it sets benchmarks through 2030 (as of: 10/2026):
| Benchmark | Share of annual EU consumption |
|---|---|
| Extraction in the EU | at least 10% |
| Processing in the EU | at least 40% |
| Recycling in the EU | at least 25% |
| Dependence on a single third country | at most 65% per processing stage |
The lists are reviewed regularly. The raw materials on the list include rare earths, gallium, lithium, cobalt and platinum group metals, among others.
Meaning for IT hardware
Laptops, smartphones and servers contain critical raw materials in chips, magnets, batteries and circuit boards, often in small quantities and permanently installed. The greatest contribution is therefore made by long use: every device that is reused replaces a new one for which raw materials would have to be extracted. Only after that comes recovery through recycling, see Urban mining. Second IT relies on reuse before recycling and disposes of devices that can no longer be used as a certified waste management company under § 56 KrWG. More on the scale of the problem in the article 10 Surprising Facts About E-Waste.
Frequently asked questions about critical raw materials
What is the difference between critical and strategic raw materials?
Critical raw materials are those with high economic importance and high supply risk. Strategic raw materials are a subset that is particularly important for future technologies such as the energy transition, digitalization or defense.
Are the benchmarks binding for companies?
The benchmarks are aimed at the EU as a whole. Individual obligations, for example on supply chain risks, apply to certain large companies.
What are conflict minerals?
That is a different topic: with Conflict minerals it is about raw materials whose extraction can finance armed conflicts.
Which raw materials are on the Critical Raw Materials Act list?
Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 lists 34 critical raw materials, including 17 strategic ones. These include rare earths, gallium, lithium, cobalt and platinum group metals, among others. The lists are reviewed regularly.
Where are critical raw materials found in IT hardware?
Laptops, smartphones and servers contain critical raw materials in chips, magnets, batteries and circuit boards, often in small quantities and permanently installed. The greatest contribution is therefore made by long use. Only after that comes recovery through recycling.
Conserve raw materials: reuse before recycling.
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