Extension granted for Salrom's substantial graphite project in Romania
Romania's National Salt Company, Salrom, has made significant strides in its graphite exploitation project, securing an extension for its license in the Ungurelașu–Polovragi area. This project aligns with a broader European Commission initiative to reduce dependence on raw material imports and boost domestic supply of critical minerals essential for battery production.
Salrom is seeking nearly EUR 200 million in European funding for the development of the extraction and processing infrastructure needed to produce battery-grade, high-purity graphite. The project includes graphite shale extraction, advanced refining facilities, and production of graphite suitable for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
The graphite project by Salrom is one of three Romanian projects selected under the EU's strategic programme for critical raw materials. It is also part of a European Commission-backed initiative to strengthen the continent's supply of strategic raw materials essential for battery manufacturing.
If realized, this initiative will position Romania as a key European supplier of strategic raw materials for the fast-growing battery industry. Graphite, classified as a critical raw material due to its vital role in the energy transition and Europe's limited domestic sources, will be locally provided, reducing reliance on imports and supporting the continent's energy and transportation decarbonization goals.
The graphite exploitation project by Salrom has been highlighted for its European strategic importance. It is one of 47 strategic initiatives selected by the European Commission to bolster domestic production and processing of critical raw materials. The project aims to produce battery-grade graphite for use in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
If approved and developed as planned, the project would not only contribute to reducing the EU's dependence on imports for key industrial inputs but also significantly bolster the continent's battery manufacturing supply chain. This investment in the European strategic context is a significant step towards securing a stable and sustainable supply chain for battery manufacturing, essential for Europe's energy transition and decarbonization efforts.
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Salrom's Graphite Exploitation Project. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2020-2024/europe-green-deal/critical-raw-materials/salroms-graphite-exploitation-project_en
[2] Salrom. (n.d.). Graphite Exploitation Project. Retrieved from https://www.salrom.ro/en/graphite-exploitation-project/
- The Salrom Graphite Exploitation Project, an initiative aimed at local production of battery-grade graphite, has been selected as one of 47 strategic initiatives by the European Commission to support the continent's environmental-science and technology advancements, particularly in the domain of battery manufacturing for sports applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- Recognizing the strategic importance of Salrom's Graphite Exploitation Project in European science and technology, the European Commission is considering an investment to bolster the production and processing infrastructure, with the objective of strengthening the continent's sports, energy, and transportation sectors, and supporting Europe's decarbonization goals through sustainable and reliable raw material supply chains.
