Recent publicity of China's control of the rare earth element market and the growing crisis of supply of metals essential for new technologies is a reminder of Europe's near-total dependence on imported metals. In this session we invite contributions from earth scientists in academia and industry on the current state of research on ore deposits and on the minerals industry, in Europe and on a global sale. Although the emphasis will be on "critical metals" such as the rare earths and platinum-group elements, as recently identified in an EU study, reports of research on other more conventional metals and their ore deposits are also welcome. Other contributions that focus on satisfying the demands of the emerging economies, the raw materials for sustainable energy development as well as those concerning resources that can be developed producing less waste, using less energy or water resources, are also welcome.