M. Garside
Research lead covering energy, chemicals & resources
Mining industry in Europe - statistics & facts
European mines accounted for more than six percent of the overall global mineral output in 2022, ranking it as the world’s fourth largest mineral producing region. Among Europe’s most significant minerals produced are nickel and copper, each accounting for nine percent of global production, and cement, accounting for nearly seven percent of global production in 2022. However, Europe is a net importer of many mineral commodities, with the reliance on critical mineral imports considered to be particularly problematic. Indeed, demand for critical minerals such as lithium and rare earths is expected to become more important than oil and gas. Nevertheless, mining operations in Europe could be significantly further developed, with enhanced mineral exploitation requiring more funding and coordination between countries.
There were more than 17,000 mining industry enterprises in the EU as of 2021, with Poland having the most mining enterprises in the union. The leading mining companies headquartered and operating in Europe include the multinational mining giant Glencore from Switzerland, UK-based Anglo American, Russia’s NorNickel, and KGHM Polska Miedz from Poland. In 2023, Glencore’s European-generated revenue amounted to more than 64 billion U.S. dollars. However, as of 2023, only 17 of the leading global 200 mining companies had mines or projects operating in the EU.
Landscape of Europe’s mining sector
Within the European Union (EU), the construction minerals sub-sector is the leader among the union’s non-energy mineral industries, accounting for the largest volume of minerals produced, the highest number of companies and employees, as well as having the largest turnover. Construction minerals include sand, gravel, gypsum, stone, among others. Industrial minerals, another mineral sub-sector, includes the minerals used in everyday items. For industrial minerals, Europe is a major global producer of potash, kaolin, fluorspar, and magnesite. When it comes to metallic minerals, Europe is a significant producer of copper, lead, chromium, zinc, and silver. However, most of the EU’s metallic ore supply is imported, and only seven countries in the union have active metal mines. Thus, throughout Europe, mineral reserves and production are diverse, but domestic production does not meet demand in many cases.There were more than 17,000 mining industry enterprises in the EU as of 2021, with Poland having the most mining enterprises in the union. The leading mining companies headquartered and operating in Europe include the multinational mining giant Glencore from Switzerland, UK-based Anglo American, Russia’s NorNickel, and KGHM Polska Miedz from Poland. In 2023, Glencore’s European-generated revenue amounted to more than 64 billion U.S. dollars. However, as of 2023, only 17 of the leading global 200 mining companies had mines or projects operating in the EU.
European mining industry revitalization and nearshoring critical minerals supply: an uncertain future
Amidst geopolitical challenges and price volatility, the European Commission has highlighted the need for its mining industry to be revitalized, with a particular emphasis on critical minerals. This is due to the anticipated drastically increased demand for critical minerals by 2030, and the desire to cut import reliance from major suppliers such as China. However, with protests against proposed European lithium projects’ environmental impacts and no clear funding prospects, the future expansion of mining in Europe is uncertain.
