The Government of Spain has launched the First Action Plan for Mineral Raw Materials 2025-2029, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening autonomy in the supply of critical minerals, essential for the country’s energy and technological transition. The plan focuses on national exploration, recycling and sustainability , in an international context marked by growing competition for these resources.

Joan Groizard Payeras , Secretary of Energy, highlights the importance of the plan as a 360 strategy that addresses security of supply, environmental sustainability and strategic autonomy.

“This plan is a decisive step towards ensuring that Spain does not depend exclusively on foreign markets in a context of growing demand for critical minerals,” Groizard stressed.

A necessary but overdue step

Felipe González Coto, a doctor in mining engineering and an expert in energy, welcomes the initiative, although he warns that “this plan has been widely demanded by various industrial sectors for some time, so perhaps it can be said that it has arrived somewhat late. But it is never too late and it is certainly a fundamental step.”

demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths has grown exponentially due to the transition to clean energy.

This trend has generated fierce international competition , with countries such as China and the United States ensuring their control over these resources , putting import-dependent economies at risk.

Speaking to Strategic Energy Europe, González Coto believes that the sustainable exploration and exploitation of these resources in Spain is key to reducing external dependence.

“The implementation of a national plan that promotes the exploration and sustainable exploitation of these resources on Spanish soil is a successful strategy,” he emphasizes.

Key challenges for implementation

While the plan represents progress, its success will depend on overcoming structural and regulatory challenges that could hinder its implementation.

The main obstacles include:

1. Updating the regulatory framework
   The Mining Law in force in Spain dates back to 1973 , which poses a challenge to adapt the regulation to current standards of sustainability and social responsibility . “The modernization of this legislation is essential to facilitate the implementation of the plan, but its updating process could face delays and resistance ,” warns González Coto. 
2. Social acceptance and local conflicts
   The opening of new mining operations could generate conflicts with local communities , concerned about the environmental and social impact. “It is essential to establish mechanisms for citizen participation and to ensure that the projects comply with strict environmental standards ,” says the expert. 
3. Global competition and technological development
   Countries such as China and the USA have made significant progress in securing their supply of critical raw materials , which places Spain at a competitive disadvantage . “Spain will have to invest in technology and innovation to be competitive in this area and not depend on third countries for the processing of these minerals ,” says González Coto. 

Recycling and circular economy: a sustainable bet

One of the key aspects of the plan is the promotion of the circular economy and the recycling of strategic materials , reducing the dependence on new extractions.

In this regard, the interviewee maintains that “by integrating recycling practices, we seek to minimize the environmental impact and promote a more efficient use of resources.”

This approach aligns with European Union policies, which seek to reduce the environmental footprint of the extractive industry and maximize the reuse of critical minerals.

The plan provides incentives for the development of advanced recycling technologies and the promotion of a national industry for the recovery of strategic materials.

A strategic opportunity for Spain

In a world where the security of supply of raw materials is a key geopolitical factor , the First Action Plan on Mineral Raw Materials 2025-2029 represents an opportunity for Spain to strengthen its autonomy and reduce its vulnerability to external markets.

“The success of the plan will depend on the ability to modernize the legal framework, involve the affected communities and develop proprietary technology that allows for sustainable and competitive exploitation,” González Coto concludes.

With this initiative, Spain seeks to position itself as a relevant player in the mining of strategic materials , ensuring its role in the energy transition and green reindustrialization.