CECE MINING LAUNCHES

CECE Mining is an initiative to provide a collective effort to represent, advocate for, and propel the European mining equipment and tech industry forward

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

CECE Mining is a branch of CECE, (Committee for European Construction Equipment) which has a longstanding history of championing the interests of the construction equipment sector.

Created in January 2024, CECE Mining addresses the needs and challenges of mining equipment and technology manufacturers, recognising the sector’s integral role in Europe’s industrial landscape.

The core mission of CECE Mining consists of two pillars. The first one is to serve as a unified voice for European mining equipment and technology sector by engaging with various stakeholders, including European institutions, and mining industry federations, with the aim of fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Additionally, CECE Mining monitors EU regulatory initiatives specific to the mining equipment and technology industry, conducting advocacy work to present the industry’s perspective to policymakers and advocating for policies and regulations that enhance competitiveness and growth prospects.

Mining vision

The mining equipment and technology sector is a key element in the value chain: without them, modern mining industry would not exist. To ensure the transition towards a more sustainable mining industry while increasing productivity, innovation in equipment, technologies and mining practices is a must. Over the years, mining equipment and technology providers have demonstrated their ability to contribute to the transition by bringing to market groundbreaking innovations, from autonomous driving equipment to electrification.

According to the VDMA, the combined value of EU-27 mining equipment exports in 2022 was close to €8 billion (US$8.6 billion).

Activities and services

CECE Mining offers a wide array of activities, including mining product group meetings, networking events, knowledge-sharing forums, and access to market intelligence.

CECE Mining currently gathers more than 30 members representing a broad range of companies in terms of size, products and geographical origin. The group usually gathers once per quarter to discuss regulatory matters but also communication and technology topics. The group will also facilitate the exchange between its members and mining industry by regularly inviting representatives from mining companies or industry federations to share their views on the industry’s most pressing topics, from the demand for low emission equipment to challenges related to reskilling its staff. The scope of activities will not be limited to Europe as it is looking to cooperate with associations and other stakeholders active in the mining space in other regions to promote its agenda and priorities.

Membership is open to mining equipment and technology suppliers with operations in Europe.

The European mining equipment and technology industry faces various challenges, including regulatory complexities, technological disruptions, and global competition. However, these challenges are opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Critical Raw Materials Act

As for the advocacy and regulatory aspects, CECE Mining positions itself as the ‘go-to’, partner for European policymakers in relation to mining equipment and technology matters. Recently the European Union approved the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), measures aimed at boosting the mining, refining and recycling capabilities of raw materials in the EU and diversifying the countries from which EU sources these materials.

As part of its raw materials strategy, the European Commission is signing agreements with partnership countries to secure future supply of raw materials in exchange for cooperation on developing local value chains and jobs, infrastructure and other projects. CECE Mining welcomes the approval of the CRMA and believes it has the potential to generate positive outcome for the industry, ranging from increase in mining equipment and technology demand, to boosting investment in R&D and manufacturing capacity and to create permanent and highly qualified jobs. However, for such benefits to materialise it is necessary that implementation of the CRMA is rapid and effective, in particular for measures aiming at reducing permitting time for new mining projects. CECE Mining will monitor the implementation process closely and will not hesitate to issue recommendations and guidance to policymakers to secure a positive outcome for the industry.