Europe’s energy and digital transition directly depends on access to critical raw materials. In this context, the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) stands out as a key player in driving a modern, responsible mining sector aligned with Europe’s strategic objectives.

The Iberian Peninsula: A Strategic Region for Europe

As Santiago Cuesta López, General Director of ISMC, explains in a recent interview with El Correo de Andalucía, the Iberian Peninsula is one of Europe’s most promising regions in terms of strategic mineral resources. Lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, strontium and natural graphite are just some of the essential materials found in Spain, with critical applications in:

• Renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panels)

• Electric mobility (batteries, motors)

• Digital technology (sensors, electronics)

• Medical and defence industries

Why Are Critical Raw Materials So Important?

The current sustainable growth model in Europe depends on a stable and responsible supply of raw materials. Without these resources, there are no batteries, no computers, and no green infrastructure. Without mining, there is no energy transition, no digital transformation, and no industrial autonomy.

ISMC’s mission is clear: to position the Iberian Peninsula as a strategic hub in the new European map of critical raw materials. To achieve this, the cluster brings together over 90 organisations — including companies, technology centres, universities and public administrations — committed to:

• Technological innovation

• Environmental sustainability

• Industrial circularity

• Attracting responsible investment

PERMANET: A European Collaboration Model

One of ISMC’s flagship initiatives is PERMANET, a strategic European project focused on securing the value chain of permanent magnets, which are essential to electric mobility, robotics and wind energy. The project integrates exploration, responsible extraction, recycling and innovation to build a large industrial hub in Europe and reduce dependency on external markets.

The Key Role of Andalucía and Other Spanish Regions

The geological richness of regions like Andalucía, Castilla y León and Extremadura places Spain at the heart of Europe’s resource sovereignty debate. The celestine (strontium sulphate) deposit in Granada, which produces 90% of the EU’s strontium supply, is a prime example of the strategic value of Spanish mineral resources.

In addition, historical mining waste in sites like Riotinto and Tharsis offers significant opportunities for reprocessing with clean technologies, reducing waste and contributing to circular mining models.

Skills, Digitalisation and Investment: Pillars of the Future

ISMC is also strongly committed to training the next generation of professionals for sustainable mining. The goal is to reskill traditional profiles towards a digital, automated and environmentally responsible industry, in line with the European Green Deal and the Critical Raw Materials Act.

Collaborations with universities, vocational training centres and R&D institutions ensure that training programmes are aligned with the needs of the new industrial model.

ISMC’s Vision for the Next Decade

Looking ahead, ISMC aims to consolidate its role as a European benchmark in sustainable mining, promoting transformative projects, international partnerships and resilient value chains.

“Our ambition is for the Iberian Peninsula to move beyond being a mere supplier of resources and become a driving force of innovation, industrial autonomy and a just transition for all of Europe,” says Cuesta López.

ISMC: Leading the Transformation of the Mining Sector in Europe

If we are to build a resilient, autonomous and sustainable Europe, ensuring access to and responsible use of critical raw materials is essential. At ISMC, we will continue to promote innovation, attract investment, and lead the development of a modern, sustainable and vital mining industry.