EU picks tungsten, rare earths and galliumtungsten, rare earths and gallium for stockpile
The European Union has shortlisted tungsten, rare earths and gallium for its first joint critical mineral stockpile, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The plan is aimed at reducing the bloc’s reliance on China for materials used in high-tech manufacturing, which matters because supply disruptions can ripple through defense, energy and electronics industries.
- China dominates the processing of many rare earth elements.
- The EU has long viewed mineral supply as a strategic vulnerability in its industrial policy.
- Gallium compounds are also important in some high-efficiency solar technologies.
