Mapping Critical Raw Materials (CRM) hard rock deposits in Europe

Abstract. This article presents the new version of the map of critical raw materials hard rock deposits that has been produced in the frame of the GSEU project (Geological Service for Europe). The map displays over 800 medium to very large deposits for 30 Critical Raw Materials (CRM) from the 2023 list of the European Commission, in 33 European countries. We explain the objective of this work and the process and methodology for collecting, compiling and harmonizing CRM data from multiple providers. We also describe the map itself, the information it carries and its availability. As an example of added-value output, we present a pan-European assessment of CRM potential, classified in 4 categories of confidence from “historical or non-compliant resource estimates” to “mineral reserves”. This assessment provides an image of the current known potential for CRM in Europe. Based on this exercise, we discuss the challenges and barriers of compiling and harmonizing mineral resources data at continental scale, and the future perspectives of this work we envision through the EGDI (European Geological Data Infrastructure). We also discuss the limitations of the map and dataset to raise awareness on their proper interpretation and use.