‘It’s Russian roulette’: alarm as Europe backs critical minerals mines in water-stressed regions (opens original article in a new tab)

The European Commission plans to revise water protection laws to accelerate critical minerals mining in water-stressed regions, drawing opposition from environmental groups concerned about ecological and community impacts.

• European Commission plans to revise water protection law to speed up critical minerals mining in water-stressed regions
• Over half of 33 strategic mines are in areas with long-term drying trends, and nearly half in recent drought zones
• Environmental groups oppose changes, warning weakened protections could harm water resilience and communities
• Industry argues for legal clarity and environmental safeguards, while critics call plans reckless and risky