EMILI recognized as strategic project by the European Union
In a decision published today, the European Commission acknowledges the importance of the EMILI project by including Imerys Group's future French lithium mine in the list of strategic projects under the "Critical Raw Material Act". This list embodies the European Union's desire to strengthen and secure the supply of critical materials serving strategic industrial sectors (energy transition, digital, defense, and aerospace).
The Imerys Group is greatly honored by this recognition, which highlights the significant role EMILI plays in ensuring European sovereignty and thus contributing to the success of the energy transition. The European Union recognizes the project's importance in meeting the future growth in demand for strategic minerals, particularly lithium (which is expected to increase sevenfold by 2050), and the challenges posed by the decarbonization of the economy and the fight against climate change.
Beyond the symbolic recognition it brings, this qualification aims to facilitate project leaders' access to European funding.
Imerys also welcomes the European Commission's intention to regulate the administrative deadlines applicable to strategic mining projects. In France, the Group remains fully confident in its ability to conduct the project within the set timeframes, while maintaining strict compliance with national regulations, particularly regarding the protection of the environment, public health, and biodiversity. Imerys also reaffirms its commitment to the most demanding international standards through its adherence to the IRMA framework.
Alessandro Dazza, CEO of Imerys, said: "The inclusion of the EMILI project in the list of 47 strategic projects identified by the European Commission to secure the supply of critical raw materials testifies its importance for Europe's industrial sovereignty. I thank the Commission and Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné for recognizing, in this large-scale European program, the need to give a central role to the proper use of European raw materials and to integrate our mineral resources into a global strategic industrial projection."
About Imerys
Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.6 billion in revenue and 12,400 employees in 40 countries in 2024. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.
Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.
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