Berlin, 20. October 2026. The European Commission has named a proposed tungsten processing plant in Puertollano, central Spain, as a Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), marking a further step towards strengthening Europe's domestic tungsten supply chain. Developed by Abenójar Tungsten S.A. (ABT), the proposed ammonium paratungstate (APT) plant is the company's second project to receive this status, following its El Moto tungsten mine in March 2025.
The two designations highlight the potential to develop a more integrated European tungsten value chain, connecting extraction with downstream processing. Once operational, El Moto is expected to increase Europe’s tungsten supply by up to approximately 20%, while the proposed Puertollano facility could further strengthen the supply chain by adding processing capacity within Europe.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO and Managing Director of EIT RawMaterials, said: “Europe's raw materials security depends on more than extracting critical minerals – we also need the capacity to process them here in Europe. With El Moto already set to make a significant contribution to domestic tungsten supply, the proposed processing plant could extend that impact further along the value chain. Developing these capabilities together is essential to reducing strategic dependencies and keeping more industrial activity, expertise and value creation in Europe. This is how we strengthen Europe's industrial resilience and long-term competitiveness.”
Since 2022, EIT RawMaterials, through the EIT RawMaterials-led European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), has supported ABT with technical expertise, access to financing opportunities and support in developing offtake agreements.
Gonzalo García San Miguel, Chief Executive Officer of Abenójar Tungsten S.A., said: “El Moto has already been recognised by the European Commission as a Strategic Project for the future production of tungsten in Europe. The additional designation of the proposed APT Plant now also recognises the strategic importance of evaluating additional downstream processing capacity within Europe. Taken together, the two projects demonstrate the potential for ABT to participate in a more integrated European tungsten supply chain, from the extraction and concentration of tungsten at El Moto through to potential downstream processing in Puertollano.”
Tungsten is an EU-designated critical raw material, essential to industries including advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace and defence. Europe remains heavily dependent on imports, making the development of domestic production and processing capacity increasingly important for securing reliable supply and reducing exposure to geopolitical risks.
The proposed APT plant could help address this challenge by processing part of the tungsten concentrate produced at El Moto. ABT is currently assessing the development of the facility in Puertollano, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, and holding initial discussions with potential technical partners.
The designation forms part of the European Commission's latest selection of 46 Strategic Projects under the CRMA, aimed at strengthening the EU's secure, diversified and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. It follows the designation of 47 EU projects in March 2025.
Notes to the Editor
Media Contact EIT RawMaterials
Elisabeth Ippel
Communications Manager
elisabeth.ippel@eitrawmaterials.eu
About EIT RawMaterials
EIT RawMaterials is the largest and most active raw materials knowledge and innovation network globally, comprising over 300 partner organisations across the entire raw materials value chain. EIT RawMaterials demonstrates its dedication to advancing and supporting a circular economy in Europe by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Mandated by the European Commission, EIT RawMaterials leads the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), which includes 800 members representing an investment potential of more than €25 billion.
Since its founding, EIT RawMaterials has deployed over €700 million in direct strategic funding to support more than 800 projects and start-ups, leveraging approximately €8.3 billion in additional investment into critical raw materials projects and technologies across Europe and beyond.
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, EIT RawMaterials was established in 2015 to advance Europe’s transition to a sustainable economy. Its mission is to secure a sustainable supply of raw materials for Europe, close material loops, and design innovative product solutions, with the goal to position raw materials as a strategic strength for Europe through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.eitrawmaterials.eu.
