The IGME-CSIC as the Spanish reference centre for critical and strategic minerals (CEMCE)

Ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals is essential for Europe’s energy transition and industrial competitiveness. This article presents the proposal to establish the Centre for Critical and Strategic Minerals (CEMCE) as a new department within IGME-CSIC, acting as Spain’s national reference body for exploration, processing, recycling and policy integration. CEMCE will implement the National Mineral Exploration Programme (PNEM 2025–2029) and coordinate national capabilities in line with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). A comparative assessment with France, Germany and Italy illustrates best-practice models. The article outlines how CEMCE could contribute to reducing Spain’s mineral import dependency in line with the quantitative benchmarks established under the Critical Raw Materials Act (European Commission, 2024), while strengthening domestic value chains and enhancing strategic autonomy.