This Week in Mining — Brussels (#13, 2026)
Permit-granting directive opinion published; industrial policy, critical raw materials and mining site reuse addressed; cohesion fund regulation draft covers mining regions.
April 05, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Permit-granting directive opinion published; industrial policy, critical raw materials and mining site reuse addressed; cohesion fund regulation draft covers mining regions.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 14, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Joint SEDE-ITRE: The Implementation of the 2026-2027 European Defence Industry Programme Work Programme: capability priority projects, with Francois Arbault, Director for Defence Industrial Programmes (DG for Defence Industry and Space, European Commission).
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 15, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 15, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Advanced manufacturing as a strategic sector for the EU; Amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1252; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 16, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Advanced manufacturing as a strategic sector for the EU; Amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1252; Chair’s announcements.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Opinion on Directive to Accelerate Permit Procedures for Renewable and Grid Projects
The Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee (ENVI), rapporteur Rasmus Nordqvist, issued its draft opinion on 8 April 2026 (Doc ID: ENVI_PA(2026)786680, PE786.680v01-00) for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee regarding the proposal to amend Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 (2025/0400(COD)), aiming to accelerate permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and grid infrastructure. The opinion discusses administrative bottlenecks affecting mining site repurposing for renewable energy, referencing Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 and Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2234. Specific amendments relate to mapping and assessment of renewable potential, especially on degraded land including former mining sites, and call for Commission support via geospatial tools and guidance. The draft proposes safeguards for environmental screening exemptions and clarifies the balance between renewable deployment and nature protection, referencing Directive 2011/92/EU and Directive 92/43/EEC. The opinion notes the importance of integrating mining site reuse in spatial planning and proposes enhanced consultation and technical support for Member States.
ITRE Opinion on European Fund Regulation Highlights Mining and Critical Raw Materials
The Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), rapporteur Jana Nagyová, published its draft opinion on 7 April 2026 (Doc ID: ITRE_PA(2026)784364, PE784.364v02-00) for the Budgets, Regional Development, and Agriculture and Rural Development Committees, concerning the proposed regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for 2028-2034 (2025/0240(COD)). The opinion describes NRPPs (National and Regional Partnership Plans) as key funding vehicles for Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys, with critical raw materials supply, mining site modernisation, and recycling facilities identified as strategic regional investment priorities. The text distinguishes between transformative projects under the European Competitiveness Fund and implementation/capacity-building in regions, including mining and industrial clusters. Amendments clarify indicators for critical raw materials processing volumes and support for traditional industries anchored in mining regions. The opinion advocates for regional diversification, skills transition, and infrastructure to facilitate mining sector transformation and resilience.
What We're Reading This Week
- USA Rare Earth considers building French magnet plant: USA Rare Earth explores expanding its European presence with a potential magnet manufacturing facility in France.
