Minerals

Non-metallic minerals used in construction and industries represent the highest share of materials used in EU economy. They are the largest contributor to societal in-use stock and recycling, as well as the largest source of landfilled waste (35%, 2016), which highlights opportunities for increasing circularity of these materials still exist. GHG emissions from this sector are the highest amongst raw materials industries, with only limited reductions in emission intensity observed (2010-2015 data).

About 18% of mineral waste is being recovered for secondary use in our economy. This amounts to about 8% of the total annual input of raw materials. Majority of non-metallic materials used in EU are extracted domestically (construction materials and several non-metallic minerals). This sector is expected to see the highest growth in the future, with expected expansions of infrastructure for housing needs and growing life standards.

Metal ores

On contrary to non-metallic minerals, EU is heavily dependent on import of metallic minerals and metals (especially iron, ferro-alloys, non-ferrous metals, and precious metals,) which stand at around 45%. While much smaller quantities of these are used in EU in comparison to non-metallic minerals, their importance is significant for our economy. Domestic recycling accounts for about 23% of raw material input but varies significantly between different types of metal ores. GHG emission intensity from iron and steel industry, dominated by fuel-use, are increasing (2010-2015 data).

Biomass

Materials from fossil carriers

Materials extracted from fossil energy carriers (for non-energy purposes) represent the smallest proportion in overall material use (plastic, oils, tyres, chemicals). They contribute little to stock-building. Recycling rates for these materials are very low, only 2% of processed material is fed back into economy as recycled materials.