ICAMCyL attends the presentation of Spain’s 2026–2030 Action Plan for Sustainable Mineral Raw Materials Management

ICAMCyL attended the official presentation of Spain’s 2026–2030 Action Plan for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Raw Materials, held in Madrid and organized by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.

This national strategy represents a major milestone in Spain’s mineral raw materials policy, addressing current global challenges such as energy transition, digital transformation, geopolitical tensions, and the need to strengthen strategic autonomy in Europe.

Mineral raw materials: essential for energy transition and resilience

During the opening session, Vice-President Sara Aagesen highlighted the key role of raw materials in renewable energy deployment and economic resilience.

She emphasized the need to reduce external dependencies and accelerate the energy transition to ensure secure supply chains. The plan is aligned with the European framework, particularly the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).

A 360-degree strategy covering the entire value chain

The plan adopts a comprehensive approach covering the full mineral raw materials value chain:

• Resource identification and exploration
• Sustainable extraction
• Processing and refining
• Recycling and material recovery

It includes 34 actions (8 priority actions) and mobilizes €414 million until 2030, focusing on:

• Circular economy in raw materials
• Technological innovation in mining
• Strategic autonomy and supply security
• Regulatory improvements
• Skills development and talent attraction
• Public-private partnerships

Importantly, the plan addresses all mineral raw materials, not only critical ones, ensuring adaptability to evolving global markets.

Circular economy and reduced consumption as key pillars

A key takeaway from the event was the central role of the circular economy, as well as the need to reduce raw material consumption to achieve true sustainability and avoid new dependencies.

Key sector challenges

Experts highlighted several priorities:

• Improving public perception of sustainable mining
• Streamlining administrative procedures
• Enhancing waste valorisation
• Attracting skilled workforce
• A strategic roadmap for Spain’s mining sector

The Action Plan is the first operational step of Spain’s long-term roadmap towards 2050, positioning the country as a key player in the European raw materials landscape.

ICAMCyL welcomes this initiative as a major step forward for the sustainable development of the mineral resources sector.