5. Conclusion

As Philippe Varin sums up in his report to the French government on securing the supply of mineral raw materials for industry: "The world of tomorrow will be carbon-free, but rich in metals". .

If we are to make a success of our ecological transition, we need to be able to supply the lithium, nickel and cobalt needed to manufacture batteries, as well as the many rare earths used in the permanent magnets used in offshore wind turbines.

With –requirements for all critical resources combined– set...