Analysis of the vulnerability of raw material supply of French companies

In a difficult context where different elements may disturb supplies in raw materials, this report made by a public mission and based on a large survey among large companies and SMEs representing about a dozen of industrial sectors, but also among economic missions of embassies of eight countries (Japan, South Korea, USA, UK, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Poland), first addresses the issue of supply vulnerability and highlights some fragility of the security of supply, and a limited knowledge of supply chains. It also shows that the explosion of world needs in mineral resources results in a competition for investments in the mining sector. It discusses and compares the attitudes of some countries to try to secure their supplies in front of the Chinese activism. It comments the European posture regarding the mining sector, and then proposes a focus on France (a strategy for mineral raw material to be reviewed), discusses the interest and limitations of circular economy as far as French needs in minerals and metals are concerned. Several recommendations are stated to mobilise companies and sectors, to elaborate a mineral resource plan, to promote the access to primary and secondary raw materials, to support the development of a French and European sector of metal recycling, and to strengthen collaboration and action means of public bodies in charge of survey and anticipation on mineral resources