Mineral raw materials form the basis of industrial value creation and are indispensable key ingredients for green and digital future technologies. China is considered one of the most resource-rich countries in the world, but at the same time – like Germany – is highly dependent on the import of mineral raw materials from abroad. Circular economy and the recovery of critical mineral raw materials are therefore an essential building block for achieving a sustainable supply of raw materials. 

In order to support bilateral exchanges and Sino-German business partnerships, AHK Greater China hosted an online conference on "Circular Economy as Contribution to Mineral Raw Materials Supply" in Beijing on 30 November 2022. 

The event was organized by AHK Greater China as part of its Competence Centre for Mining & Resources in China, that is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Based in Beijing, the Competence Centre was founded in 2021 and serves as the first and central point of contact for German companies and institutions for an engagement in the Chinese mining and raw materials industry. 

More than 150 representatives from German and Chinese ministries, public institutions, industry associations, companies and other stakeholders actively participated in the event. 

During the presentations and panel discussion, highranking German and Chinese representatives and decision-makers provided insights into framework conditions and developments in the field of circular economy and discussed related potentials for raw materials supply and Sino-German cooperation. 

Topics included existing dependencies on raw material imports, recovery and reuse of critical mineral raw materials as an essential element to increase supply security, as well as challenges and solutions in reducing primary raw material demand and increasing the use of secondary raw materials.

Article Resouce: Econet Monitor Green Markets & Climate Challenge December 2022