Faced with high demand for critical minerals, the integration of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources and UN Resource Management System (UNFC and UNRMS, developed at UNECE) can help to link resource security and sustainability.
Aiming to seize this potential, the 7th Event on UNFC and UNRMS at the EU Raw Materials Week in Brussels will further support Europe’s journey toward securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials. Held as part of the EU Raw Materials Week 2024, discussions focused on the role of UNFC in supporting the implementation of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).
The event, co-organized by UNECE, DG GROW, EuroGeoSurveys, WEEE Forum, and Horizon Europe projects "Geological Service for Europe" (GSEU) and FutuRaM, strengthened collaboration among key stakeholders, including policymakers, national authorities, and resource management experts. Discussions centered on how UNFC can drive coherence, transparency, and efficiency in CRMA implementation, securing sustainable European raw materials value chains and contributing to the EU green and just transition goals.
Dario Liguti, Director of the Sustainable Energy Division at UNECE remarked "UNFC and UNRMS offer a common understanding and language that transcends borders and sectors, enabling consistent, transparent, and sustainable resource classification and management. These tools empower stakeholders to align on shared goals, strengthen trust and collaboration in addressing the challenges of resource security and sustainability in the EU and beyond."
The event provided critical insights into the role of UNFC in achieving CRMA objectives. Julie Hollis, Secretary General of EuroGeoSurveys, highlighted the importance of harmonized geological data to enable effective decision-making. “To meet the goals of the CRMA, we must prioritize data harmonization at the European scale. UNFC, together with the vision of a Geological Service for Europe, is instrumental in delivering strategic insights aligned with ESG principles and sustainable resource management” Julie noted.
Presentations explored UNFC's benefits and potential for reporting on exploration results, monitoring projects, and supporting circular economy measures. Discussions also covered the structured approach UNFC provides for Project Promoters seeking Strategic Project recognition under the CRMA framework. The event underscored the need for cross-sectoral collaboration and highlighted upcoming reporting requirements for EU Member States, pinpointing the importance of developing National UNFC Guidance documents as part of the action plan. It also set the stage for aligning UNFC methodologies with CRMA implementation at the national level. Moreover, the event unfolded technical applications and recent developments in UNFC to support CRMA. It featured presentations on coordinated activities to integrate UNFC into national and international classification systems and its role in creating comprehensive mineral inventories.
Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey and Chair of UNECE’s Expert Group on Resource Management, emphasized the importance of collaboration “UNFC and UNRMS foster trust and dialogue among governments, industry, and civil society, providing a globally relevant framework for resource classification, management and governance.”.
The 7th UNFC and UNRMS Event underscored the essential role of structured frameworks in aligning resource management practices with the EU’s environmental, social, and governance goals. As Europe takes decisive steps to implement the CRMA, the integration of UNFC ensures a future where resource security and sustainability are inextricably linked.