Lithium recovery set to skyrocket 50x as Europe maps its ‘urban mine’ for raw materials

EU-funded FutuRaM researchers mapped Europe’s waste stocks as a ‘urban mine’ containing 42 critical raw materials.

The study says advanced recovery could unlock millions of tons a year by 2050, with lithium recycling rising sharply.

Better recycling of e-waste, batteries and black mass could boost supplies of cobalt, nickel and other key inputs.

The findings point to a major domestic resource that could cut import dependence, strengthen supply security and reduce mining emissions.