Raw Materials Mechanism

To shield industry from geopolitical shocks and price volatility, the Commission is focusing on increasing awareness about possible shortages. The Raw Materials Mechanism, under the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, is intended to raise awareness and to support industry to identify immediate options for supply diversification together with developing new strategic raw materials projects. Acting as a digital marketplace, it is designed to significantly enhance market transparency, facilitate demand aggregation, and secure offtake agreements.

The Platform consists of several mechanisms targeting specific strategic products and commodities. The Raw Materials Mechanism facilitates secure SRMs for Europe’s competitiveness and resilient raw materials value chains. It delivers 4 main services:

1. Connects demand and supply for existing and future raw materials
2. Supports the development of strategic raw materials projects
3. Brings together players interested in demand aggregation, joint purchasing, and stockpiling solutions
4. Matches project promoters with financial institutions and investors

By participating in the Raw Materials Mechanism, registered companies will be allowed to gain access to EU-facilitated matchmaking rounds. This is expected to lead to crucial advantages; namely from:

1. Market discovery and identification of relevant ecosystem partners
2. Increased buying power and market expansion leading to a stronger negotiating position
3. Transparency for future support and risk-sharing mechanisms meeting industry’s needs

The Platform’s function to aggregate demand and facilitate joint purchasing is key for ensuring resilient and diversified supply chains for European industry.

Registration and First Matchmaking Round 

Registrations are now open for the first matchmaking round taking place in March 2026. This initial round will target immediately and soon-to-be-available rare earths and battery raw materials value chains, benefitting in particular, actors in small, non-liquid markets such as for tungsten or gallium. The Raw Materials Mechanism will focus on suppliers from the EU, the European Economic Area, Overseas Countries and Territories, and strategic partnership countries.  

Future rounds will focus on project development and connecting participants with storage and stockpiling services. 

Single Point of Contact

The Act mandates each Member State to establish a Single Point of Contact (SPoC). Business First is Malta’s designated SPoC serving as a bridge between national authorities and project promoters. Acting as the sole interface and regulatory liaison for prospective project promoters, a significant level of bureaucracy is reduced when multiple ministries and/or entities are involved. The SPoC also coordinates and facilitates the permit-granting process for CRM projects ensuring streamlined permitting timelines are respected. For further information or queries on the application process, procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms, kindly contact Business First on [email protected].