This Week in Mining — Brussels (#16, 2026)
Parliament votes on ECHA regulation; ENVI opinion amends critical raw materials framework; Competitiveness Council meeting announced; new exposure limits for cobalt in mining sector.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
Parliament votes on ECHA regulation; ENVI opinion amends critical raw materials framework; Competitiveness Council meeting announced; new exposure limits for cobalt in mining sector.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Agreement between the European Union and Canada laying down the conditions for the participation of Canadian legal entities and products originating in Canada to procurement under the SAFE Instrument; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures; Chair’s announcements.
European Parliament
Parliament votes on updated European Chemicals Agency regulation
On 29 April 2026, the European Parliament in Strasbourg held a vote on the proposal for a regulation concerning the European Chemicals Agency and amendments to several related regulations (COM(2025)0386, 2025/0207(COD)). Christophe Clergeau served as rapporteur for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. The regulation addresses oversight of chemicals, with implications for extraction and processing activities involving critical raw materials.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) scheduled for 28 May
The Competitiveness Council will meet on 28 May 2026, focusing on internal market and industry issues, including mining and raw materials policy.
EP Committee Work
ENVI opinion proposes amendments to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 on critical raw materials
On 29 April 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted an opinion on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 regarding critical raw materials (COM(2025)0946, 2025/0385(COD)). Rapporteur Jacek Ozdoba (ENVI) introduced amendments to strengthen the framework for supply security, risk preparedness, and circular economy measures. The opinion recommends diversified supply sources, improved recycling targets, and enhanced cooperation between the Commission and Member States in identifying large companies reliant on critical raw materials. The vote in ENVI was 53 in favour, 3 against, and 21 abstentions.
Parliament ready to negotiate revised exposure limits for cobalt and chemicals
On 29 April 2026, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) announced Parliament's readiness to negotiate the sixth revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive (CMRD). The revision introduces new occupational exposure limit values for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, relevant to battery production and mining. Rapporteur Liesbet Sommen (EPP, BE) confirmed the mandate includes strengthened protection measures for workers and additional requirements for employers.
What We're Reading This Week
- Eldorado Gold Reports Solid First Quarter 2026 Financial and Operational Results; Skouries Steadily Advancing Towards First Concentrate Production – Company Announcement - FT.com: Eldorado Gold delivered strong Q1 2026 performance, with its Skouries project on track for initial concentrate production.
- Big funds bet billions on mining supercycle: Major investment funds are pouring billions into mining, signaling strong confidence in a prolonged commodities boom.
- DR Congo creates $100mn ‘Mining Guard’ to protect critical minerals: DR Congo launches a $100 million security force to safeguard its strategic mineral resources amid rising global demand.
- US, EU deepen cooperation on critical minerals with eye to broader agreement: Washington and Brussels are advancing talks to secure critical mineral supply chains, aiming for a comprehensive transatlantic agreement.
- Media Partnership - From E-Waste to Strategic Autonomy: Can the Circular Economy Act Deliver for Europe’s Raw Materials?: Europe’s Circular Economy Act aims to reduce dependence on imported raw materials by boosting recycling and e-waste recovery efforts.
