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.

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