The European Union has shortlisted tungsten, rare earths, and gallium for its inaugural joint stockpile of critical minerals, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The EU is already holding advanced talks with major maritime hubs, including the Netherlands’ Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, to store the emergency reserves.
Two of the sources said magnesium would also be on the priority list, while another source said germanium and graphite were expected to make the list.
The move marks a significant step to protect the bloc’s economy and reduce its heavy reliance on Chinese imports.
A spokesperson for the Port of Rotterdam confirmed the ongoing discussions with both the Dutch ministry and the EU, noting that the port authority is well-positioned to help achieve regional goals regarding critical raw materials.
The stockpiling drive is one of the bloc’s most definitive steps yet to shield its high-tech and defence sectors from Beijing’s market dominance.
These minerals are vital for producing semiconductors, military hardware, electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy infrastructure like wind turbines.
The urgency follows previous export restrictions imposed by Beijing, which sent shockwaves through global supply chains. Western allies, including the US, are now racing to build matching reserves.
Underscoring the national security implications of the plan, almost all the minerals under consideration feature on NATO’s list of 12 elements deemed critical to the defence industry.
The European Commission first announced the coordinated stockpile framework last December.
Currently, 10 EU nations are driving the planning process through specialised working groups led by Germany, France, and Italy.
France has prioritised the diversification of critical mineral supplies during its G7 presidency. Concurrently, member states are negotiating the establishment of a permanent secretariat to ensure the initiative remains insulated from the EU’s rotating political leadership.
Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso confirmed that EU officials recently inspected Porto Marghera, near Venice, to assess its viability as a Mediterranean storage hub, alongside the larger port at Trieste.
A spokesperson for the European Commission declined to comment.
