The picture shows a huge mine in which resources are being extracted through machines.

Photo: Pixabay

Critical raw materials for Germany

Race to the Future

All over the world, the hunger for raw materials is growing. Future technologies and the green transformation will be fuelled in part by different raw materials than those we’ve been using until now – and we’ll be using them in larger quantities. However, mining projects, especially in the Global South, often entail environmental and social risks. A “clean” energy transition in Germany is only possible if the raw materials are also extracted in a “clean” manner. We’ll be discussing with you how Germany and the EU can secure the supply of raw materials, while establishing responsible supply chains that benefit the people in the countries where they’re mined.

27Feb2025

Futurium

Further information:

  • Duration:1 hour and 30 minutes
The picture shows a huge mine in which resources are being extracted through machines.

Photo: Pixabay

The economic and political importance of these so-called critical raw materials is great. An electric car, for example, contains up to three kilograms of rare metals, as well as an average of 66 kilograms of graphite, 53 kilograms of copper and 13 kilograms of cobalt. All these raw materials are sourced mostly from a handful of countries in Asia, Africa or Latin America. Global competition for them broke out long ago. Germany, too, is dependent on importing these raw materials.

Not only their extraction, but also their production and processing are concentrated in a handful of countries. For example, around 87 per cent of imported photovoltaic systems come from a single country in Asia. This leads to new dependencies, which are exacerbated by trade conflicts and political tensions. In a nutshell: supply is limited, demand is high, and supply chains are potentially susceptible to disruption. Debates on how to diversify raw-material supply chains and develop alternative sources of supply are therefore becoming increasingly intense.

At the same time, the aim must be to avoid ecological and social “collateral damage” during the extraction, including such things as groundwater contamination and child labour. In order to compete successfully for these raw materials, German and European companies need to be attractive partners. This has long since extended to making fair and sustainable offers to countries rich in raw materials.

We’ll be discussing with you what Germany and the EU need raw materials for, where they (can) come from and why the current geopolitical situation is particularly tense in this regard. We’ll also be looking at the perspective of resource-rich countries in the Global South and asking how our trade relations can support economic, social and ecological development worldwide.

In cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido)

Guests

  • Dr Olaf Deutschbein, Head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido) in Berlin
  • Thomas Engels, Aurubis AG, Representative Corporate Communications and External Affairs, Corporate Representation Berlin
  • Dr Melanie Müller, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
  • Stefan Rouenhoff (CDU), Member of the Bundestag (MdB) and Member of the Committee on Economic Affairs
  • H.E. Ambassador Stone Sizani, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa

The evening will be hosted by Marie-Christine Knop.

Information

  • Venue: Forum
  • The event is free of charge.
  • A ticket is required. Remaining tickets will be available at the box office.
  • Event language: German, English

Accessibility

  • An induction loop system is available.
  • We keep seats open in case you want to sit close to the stage due to visual impairments.
  • People with visual impairments are welcome. We will request guide dog assistance if you need it.
  • We are a wheelchair accessible venue.
  • Spaces without seating are available for wheelchair users.
  • The event addresses interested people of age 16 +.
  • Participation requirements: no prior knowledge required
  • Drinks and food are available for purchase.

The future is for everyone! The Futurium wants to be accessible to everyone.

If there are any other access needs on your part, please feel free to let us know. We will try to meet them: info@futurium.de

All information on accessibility can be found here.

Photo & Video

Photos will be taken during the event. If you don’t wish to be pictured, please let us know in advance.

Tickets

For this event a ticket is required. In order to get to the ticketshop click on the button at the beginning or the end of this page.