Rush for critical minerals tests Europe’s resolve to protect nature

Climate Change News

by Fanis Kollias

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Europe’s push for critical minerals to support clean energy technologies is clashing with its commitment to protect natural environments. A recent investigation revealed that over half of the EU’s strategic mining projects—designated under the Critical Raw Materials Act—are located near or within a kilometer of Natura 2000 protected areas, which safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems. These projects, including Spain’s Mina Doade lithium mine, are sparking concerns among conservationists and locals who fear irreversible damage to wildlife habitats and water supplies. The Mina Doade project, for instance, lies less than a kilometer from the Galician Atlantic wet heathlands and forests, home to endangered species like the Iberian wolf and red kite. Conservation groups argue that mining in such sensitive areas poses significant risks to biodiversity and local water resources, which are vital for both wildlife and nearby communities. Despite assurances from project owners to minimize environmental impacts, critics remain skeptical about the potential long-term consequences. The investigation also found that 11 strategic mining projects overlap directly with Natura 2000 sites, while another three partially intersect these protected areas. In Finland’s Lapland region, Anglo American’s Sakatti project is set to extract copper and cobalt on protected land, further straining the delicate balance of ecosystems in remote Sámi communities. Similar concerns arise from other projects, such as a Romanian graphite mine and a Spanish tungsten project, both of which could harm unique habitats. This tension highlights a critical dilemma for Europe’s climate goals: balancing the demand for critical minerals needed to power renewable energy technologies with the need to protect natural heritage. As the EU aims to transition to clean energy, ensuring sustainable mining practices that respect environmental safeguards will be crucial to maintaining public trust and preserving biodiversity. The outcome of these projects will test whether Europe can lead the way in both combating climate change and safeguarding its natural legacy.

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Originally published on Climate Change News on 2/24/2026