As Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on imported critical raw materials, recycling and urban mining are increasingly seen as strategic solutions. But how much of Europe’s resource needs can really be met by recovering materials already in circulation?

In this episode of Raw Talks, Roman Stiftner speaks with Steve Art, Compliance & Sustainability Manager at Umicore, about the realities of urban mining, battery recycling, and critical raw materials recovery. Together, they explore the challenges of collection, dismantling, and refining, as well as Europe’s growing efforts to build resilient circular value chains.

The discussion examines the future of battery recycling, Europe’s dependence on rare earth elements, the role of the Battery Regulation, and the importance of keeping valuable secondary raw materials within Europe. Steve also explains why circularity is essential, but cannot fully replace responsible primary extraction and strategic international partnerships.

A thought-provoking conversation on what recycling can realistically achieve, and what Europe must do to strengthen its raw materials security in an increasingly competitive world.

RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As Europe seeks to strengthen its industrial resilience and secure the raw materials needed for the green transition, mining has returned to the centre of political and economic debate. Yet while demand for critical minerals continues to grow, new mining projects often face public opposition, regulatory complexity, and lengthy permitting processes.

In this episode of Raw Talks, Mikael Staffas, President and CEO of Boliden, discusses Europe's geological potential, the realities of modern mining, and the challenges of balancing sustainability, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Drawing on Boliden's experience across Europe, he explains how innovation, electrification, automation, and circular solutions are reshaping the industry while helping to reduce its environmental footprint.

The conversation explores whether Europe can responsibly expand its own resource base, what policymakers can do to attract investment, and why public understanding of mining may be lagging behind the industry's transformation.

RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Europe's green and digital transitions depend on a steady supply of critical raw materials, yet many of the minerals and metals essential for modern industry remain concentrated in a small number of countries and supply chains. As geopolitical tensions rise and global competition intensifies, securing access to these resources has become a strategic priority for Europe.

In this episode of Raw Talks, Roman Stiftner speaks with Peter Handley, a leading expert on European industrial policy and critical raw materials. Drawing on decades of experience at the European Commission and beyond, Peter explains why Europe's raw materials challenge extends far beyond mining. From refining and processing capacity to investment, skills, industrial competitiveness, and geopolitical leverage, the discussion explores the structural factors shaping Europe's resilience.

The conversation examines the realities behind concepts such as strategic autonomy, supply chain diversification, and industrial policy. Peter argues that while initiatives such as the Critical Raw Materials Act represent an important step forward, Europe must move faster and complement regulation with investment, financing tools, and stronger industrial coordination if it wants to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive world.

At the heart of the discussion is a broader question: how can Europe maintain its economic model, industrial base, and technological ambitions while reducing strategic dependencies? Peter offers a pragmatic assessment of the challenges ahead, but also a positive outlook on Europe's capacity to adapt, innovate, and build a more resilient future.

RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.