ISMC co-organises the “Critical Materials & Battery Value Chains Europe 2026” event in Brussels
The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC), together with the European project Li4LIFE and the European Lithium Institute (eLi), will co-organise the international event “Critical Materials & Battery Value Chains Europe 2026”, taking place on 18–19 May 2026 in Brussels.
This two-day event will bring together key stakeholders from industry, research and policy to address the future of critical raw materials and their central role in Europe’s energy transition, with a particular focus on lithium and battery value chains.
A strategic forum for Europe’s critical raw materials agenda
At a time when Europe is advancing the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and strengthening its strategic autonomy, this event will serve as a key platform to:
- Analyse regulatory and technological challenges across the value chain
- Identify research and innovation (R&I) priorities
- Foster collaboration among European stakeholders
- Bridge policy objectives with industrial realities
Event agenda
18 May | Expert Focus Groups (invitation-only)
📍 Radisson RED, EU Parliament District
The first day will be dedicated to in-depth, small-group discussions structured around four key domains within the upstream battery ecosystem:
- Processing & Recycling (in collaboration with BATMASS)
- Exploration & Mining (promoted by Li4LIFE)
- Sustainability, LCA & Battery Passport (in collaboration with BASE)
- Policy & Framework Conditions (in collaboration with PERMANET)
These sessions will enable participants to explore key sector challenges, define strategic R&I priorities, and contribute to the development of policy recommendations.
The agenda includes:
- Registration and networking lunch
- Welcome session
- Thematic focus group discussions
- Strategic synthesis of outcomes
- Conclusions and debate
- Networking dinner in Brussels
19 May | High-Level Policy Seminar
📍 European Committee of the Regions, Brussels
The second day will focus on high-level policy dialogue, bringing together EU institutions, regional authorities, industry leaders and the research community to address critical topics related to lithium and raw materials.
Key topics include:
- Social Licence to Operate (SLO) in lithium projects
- Sustainability of the lithium value chain
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a key decision-making tool
- The European Battery Passport and traceability
- Implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)
The seminar will conclude with the definition of strategic messages and policy recommendations to strengthen Europe’s position in the critical raw materials sector.
Strengthening Europe’s battery value chains
“Critical Materials & Battery Value Chains Europe 2026” represents a unique opportunity to align innovation, industry and policy, contributing to the development of a more resilient, sustainable and competitive European value chain.
Through its involvement, ISMC reinforces its commitment to supporting sustainable mining, innovation and European collaboration in the field of critical raw materials.

