Europe’s strategic autonomy begins in its mining regions. Europe needs critical raw materials. Europe also needs the regions that make sustainable production, processing and integration into industrial value chains possible.

Mining regions are where Europe’s raw materials ambitions are turned into action. They bring together mineral resources, processing and industrial capacity, specialised skills, research and innovation, infrastructure, investment and local communities. At the same time, progress depends on addressing practical challenges such as permitting, financing, energy and water availability, infrastructure, workforce capacity and social acceptance.

Securing Europe’s Critical Raw Materials value chains is therefore a shared European responsibility. It requires coordinated action by EU institutions, Member States, regions, industry, research and innovation actors, and investors.

The Smart Specialisation Partnership of European Mining Regions, led by Andalusia, brings together 16 European regions from 7 Member States and 20 regional, national and international partners. The Partnership connects complementary regional capabilities and promotes interregional cooperation, project development and stronger European raw materials value chains.

Why join us?

Mining Regions in Action will bring together EU, national and regional policymakers, industry, clusters, research organisations and innovation ecosystems to explore how Europe can move from policy to implementation, from regional capabilities to European value chains and from ambition to investment and impact.

The event will highlight the strategic role of mining regions, demonstrate how interregional cooperation can accelerate implementation, innovation and investment, and strengthen the shared European commitment to secure, sustainable and competitive critical raw materials value chains. We look forward to welcoming you on 30 November 2026.

Registration is available here.