The EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)
Driving Supply Chain Security
Europe BAM Plant Wins Strategic Status Under CRMA
In March 2025, Northern’s proposal to upgrade graphite from Okanjande in Namibia into Battery Anode Material in France was selected as one of 47 Strategic Projects under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (“CRMA”). The Strategic Projects framework is meant to help the EU meet self-sufficiency targets and support the transition to clean energy and digital technologies by establishing a secure, sustainable, and traceable supply of graphite-based anode material for use in lithium-ion batteries. CRMA recognition enhances project visibility and facilitates access to fast-tracked permitting, financing and off-take support mechanisms.
Project Objectives
- Establish a European Battery Anode Material (BAM) facility to strengthen the EU’s critical raw materials supply chain
- Implement a sustainable production process across Namibia (pre-processing), France (purification and coating), and Germany (battery testing)
Timeline & Status
- Permitting expected to be completed within the CRMA’s 15-month timeframe
- Planned start of production 2028
- Ongoing coordination with national authorities and the EU Commission
Local Impact
- Job creation and regional investment
- Clean and low-impact production processes
- Strengthened local supply chains
Engagement & Partnerships
- Coordinated approach to collaborate with national and regional authorities
- Work with Critical Raw Materials Board to tap financial support mechanisms, including private and public sources of funding
European Commission: Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Strategic project – European Initiative for Strategic and Sustainable Graphite Production, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2873/4234626
