Steel scrap as a host of critical raw materials: opportunities for the Netherlands and Europe
As Europe strengthens its focus on economic resilience, one material is gaining strategic importance: steel scrap. Steel scrap is a strategic secondary raw material for the steel industry and for enabling value chains linked to steel. Moreover, it can contain significant amounts of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) that are essential for various sectors of the economy, such as aerospace and healthcare. The Netherlands Materials Observatory has published a case study examining the relevance of steel scrap as a secondary raw material, as well as its potential as a source of critical materials. This case study provides an overview from both Dutch and European perspectives.
Steel scrap in the market
The demand for high-quality steel scrap is increasing. When local supplies of high-quality steel scrap are insufficient, this can lead to higher levels of import. At the same time, growing demand presents an opportunity to strengthen circular solutions through innovation in the sorting and processing of steel scrap.
Global trade dynamics, such as U.S. import tariffs on steel, can influence the availability and price of scrap. This underlines the need for a coordinated European strategy to address scrap quality, energy costs, and export pressures.
Opportunities for critical materials
Steel scrap can contain valuable CRMs such as copper, nickel, and vanadium. However, current possibilities for recycling these elements are limited by technical and economic barriers. Targeted investments in advanced separation technologies, supported by policy measures, could unlock future recovery opportunities.
Read the full report and discover the recommendations for the Netherlands and Europe: 'The role of steel scrap as a secondary material and potential source of CRMs'.