The landscape of mineral and metal supply and demand is rapidly changing as European countries transition towards a more sustainable and digital future. As geopolitical tensions keep rising, Europe’s diversification strategy shifts towards replacing trade partners and developing its own mineral and metals potential. Europe’s true mineral potential is still not fully understood due to under-exploration, outdated geological surveys, and lack of investment in mining technology. New exploration technologies and strategies can potentially unlock new reserves. Mining these resources in a sustainable way is a major challenge. Mining operations can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. As such, it is vital that these operations are carried out responsibly, with robust environmental protections in place. Additionally, developing these resources will require substantial investment in infrastructure, skills, and technology. This includes not only the mining operations but also the downstream industries needed to process and refine these minerals.