Raw materials

In February 2011, the European Commission published its long awaited Communication on commodity markets and raw materials. The Communication calls for the swift implementation of the Raw Materials Initiative, published in November 2008 COM(2008) 699. Under this initiative, two ad-hoc working groups have been created to improve the framework conditions for the European extractive industry and to develop a list of critical raw materials. The respective reports have been presented in June 2010.

Improve framework conditions for the European extractive industry

The main raw material for most ceramic sectors is clay. Depending on the product, different kinds of clay are used. Most fine ceramic sectors, such as tableware or sanitary ware, make use of kaolin or plastic clays whereas for the more coarse ceramic products, such as bricks and roof tiles, local sources of clay are necessary as transport costs do not allow long distance business. The industry would benefit from improved framework conditions especially with a view to shorten the procedure to open new quarries and clarify issues of competing land use. In this respect, Cerame-Unie welcomes the Sector Specific guidance document on non-energy minerals extraction and Natura 2000 which has been published by the European Commission in August 2010.

Access to raw materials from international markets

Other ceramic sectors, such as refractories, technical ceramics and abrasives, depend mainly industrial minerals which are often not or not sufficiently available within Europe.

Cerame-Unie welcomes the criticality report which identifies 14 raw materials as critical, taking into account their supply risk and economic importance. Two raw materials, magnesite and bauxite, are of high importance for the refractory industry and are identified as potentially critical.

Further information on trade in raw materials, including the WTO panel proceedings on Chinese export restrictions on raw materials can be found on the website of the refractories sector, PRE.