Lucarini: Policymaking and geosciences: the case of Critical Raw Materials

Lucarini: Policymaking and geosciences: the case of Critical Raw Materials

The geoscience knowledge has improved our ability to access clean water, cultivate food, mitigate natural hazards, and enhance the economy. It also plays a significant role in policymaking, often supported by an interdisciplinary approach. The sustainable energy transition requires a larger supply of raw materials within the framework of a circular economy.

In Italy, despite a rich history of mining, a decision was made to import the majority of mineral resources from abroad, as it was more economically sustainable. However, over the past decade, there has been increased awareness, particularly after the introduction of the EU Green Deal. The Italian Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) is actively supporting the mining sector, by coordinating technical panels and discussions on eco-friendly raw material perspectives at the national level. Additionally, ISPRA is developing a Geodatabase as a tool to promote the sustainable production of both primary and secondary mineral resources, while also contributing to national and regional policies.

Geopolitical Significance and Economic Implications

The development of renewable energy sources and other high-tech applications will require new infrastructure that will consume a varied assortment of minerals compared to current applications. This includes not only the ‘critical’ metals like rare earths, but also vast quantities of common commodities such as copper, steel, and cement. International programs have assembled data on resource demand and governance of natural resources, but their primary emphasis has been on knowledge exchange, with limited regard to the development of policies addressing resource scarcity.

A strategic medium to long-term vision regarding Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) is essential for industrial policy. The availability of CRMs, given the global demand, can pose challenges due to their variable geomineralogical concentrations, dependence on technological factors, and the economic policies of producing nations. Furthermore, unpredictable factors, ranging from conflicts to pandemics, can disrupt production and impact supply chains, as currently observed by the challenges in sourcing raw materials and semi-finished products for national and European industries.

Sustainability Challenges

To address these issues, major mining companies must confront the related challenges by adopting new approaches and ideas that are inherently centered on sustainability. The era of critical minerals has dawned, and it is regarded as the most momentous transformation the industry has witnessed in recent decades, with national governments assuming an ever-increasing role.

Decarbonization also plays a crucial role, as mining companies must increase production to meet the rising demand for critical minerals and other products essential for the energy transition, all while reducing their carbon emissions. The drive to decarbonize the economy, as mandated by climate policies, hinges on the transformation of our energy system from fossil fuels to an electrification-based architecture. This shift necessitates a reconstruction of the mining supply chain.

Lucarini’s Methodological Approach and Interdisciplinary Considerations

Mauro Lucarini and his team at ISPRA have adopted an interdisciplinary approach to address these challenges. They are actively supporting the mining sector by coordinating technical panels and discussions on eco-friendly raw material perspectives at the national level. Additionally, ISPRA is developing a Geodatabase as a tool to promote the sustainable production of both primary and secondary mineral resources, while also contributing to national and regional policies.

Policy Recommendations

Lucarini’s work highlights the need for clear guidelines and strategic programs for a future reactivation of mining activities in Italy. This includes establishing joint ventures with foreign mining groups, to facilitate national and international mining ventures. Such an effort should not only encourage the development of existing Italian industrial entities, but also foster the emergence of new ones through public-private collaborations.

Geoscientific Data Analysis and Forecasting

The Geological Survey of Italy at ISPRA is actively developing the National Geological, Mining, Museum and Environmental Geodatabase (GeMMA Project) to quantify geo-mineral resources, ensure environmental protection, and protect cultural heritage. This effort includes specific projects collaborating with the competent regional bodies and will be closely linked to the planned creation and updating of the Mining Map of Italy.

The main purpose of the GeMMA project is to define the national situation of mineral resources from mines and quarries, including the geological, environmental, cultural, and economic aspects, with particular attention to the environmental impact of mining practices and the potential exploitation of decommissioned mining assets and the extracted waste that has piled up over time.

Regulatory Frameworks and Domestic Policy Initiatives

The mining legislation in Italy still dates back to the Royal Decree of July 29, 1927, No. 1443, which classifies the extractive industries into two categories: strategic minerals (first category) and minerals with a lesser economic impact (second category). ISPRA is currently working with the competent ministries and with local stakeholders to develop regulatory solutions that allow the sustainable management of mining activities, with regard to the management and recovery of mining waste.

International Cooperation and Circularity

To achieve these goals, it is important to stress the need for collaboration with governments and local communities to effectively communicate the role of the extractive industry in the energy transition. Furthermore, investments in the education and training of specialists in the sector are vital, potentially retraining staff to align with the concept of sustainable mining.

The continuous decline of the mining sector could potentially lead to a loss of expertise in the sector, as well as a higher risk of disinvestment in research and education. To mitigate these impacts, the European Union has invested heavily in research and innovation activities through the Framework Programme Horizon 2020 and plans to continue investments in Horizon Europe.

In summary, Lucarini’s work highlights the critical role of geosciences in policymaking, particularly in the context of Critical Raw Materials and the sustainable energy transition. By developing robust data analysis tools, fostering international cooperation, and advocating for regulatory reform, Lucarini and his team at ISPRA are working to ensure Italy’s mining sector can contribute to a more sustainable and self-reliant future.

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