The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) recently took part in the programme “A Media Sesión” on Radio Intereconomía, a radio space dedicated to analysing current economic and business developments.

During the interview, Santiago Cuesta López, Director General of the cluster, and Patricia Núñez Cortés, Business and Institutional Relations Coordinator at ISMC, shared their perspective on the increasingly strategic role that raw materials and sustainable mining play in today’s economic and geopolitical landscape.

The discussion focused on how the mining sector has become a key pillar for the economic sovereignty and strategic autonomy of countries and continents, particularly at a time marked by the energy transition and industrial transformation.

The growing importance of raw materials in the global context

One of the key points raised during the discussion was the rapid increase in the use of natural resources worldwide.

Over the past 50 years, the extraction of natural resources has tripled, driven by global economic growth, technological development and the rising demand for minerals required for the energy transition.

Raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements are essential for manufacturing technologies including:

• batteries for electric vehicles

• wind turbines

• energy infrastructure

• electronic devices

In this context, ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials has become a strategic priority for Europe.

Mining as a pillar of economic sovereignty

During the interview, ISMC representatives emphasised that the mining sector plays a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s industrial and technological autonomy.

Dependence on third countries for the supply of key minerals can create economic and geopolitical vulnerabilities. As a result, European institutions are increasingly promoting policies aimed at reinforcing raw materials value chains within Europe.

In this regard, sustainable mining is emerging as a strategic sector for supporting the development of key industries, ranging from electric mobility to renewable energy.

Raising awareness about the role of the mining sector

Another key topic discussed during the interview was the importance of improving public understanding of the role mining plays in modern economies.

From the perspective of the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster, raising awareness about the sector is essential to explain how mineral resources are deeply embedded in everyday life and in the technologies that enable the transition towards a more sustainable energy model.

Communication, transparency and dialogue with society are therefore fundamental to building a modern, responsible and socially accepted mining sector.

ISMC: fostering innovation in Europe’s raw materials ecosystem

The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster works to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the raw materials sector by connecting companies, research centres, universities and public institutions.

Through its involvement in European projects, industrial collaboration initiatives and outreach activities, the cluster contributes to advancing a mining model that is more sustainable, innovative and aligned with the challenges of the energy transition.

The participation of ISMC representatives in discussion platforms such as Radio Intereconomía reflects the growing relevance of the mining sector in today’s economic context and highlights the importance of fostering informed dialogue about the role of raw materials in Europe’s industrial future.