
The International Raw Materials Observatory is a not for profit international association, created to support worldwide cooperation on mineral raw materials’ research & innovation, education & outreach, industry & trade and recycling, management & substitution of strategic raw materials.
Mineral raw materials are the focus area of the International Raw Materials Observatory and diplomacy, dialogues, independent expert analysis and foresight are the main tools used to advance international cooperation, informed policymaking and better governance of mineral raw materials.
The set of values of the International Raw Materials Observatory is built around the concept of honest broker, acting as an impartial international mediator specialised in the minerals value chain to support international cooperation and exchange of best practice. To ensure its independence, the Observatory combines an offer of exclusive services to members with an offer of services to the marketplace.
Our services
Reports & Factsheets
on mineral raw materials
A World Barometer
providing members with periodic reports on opportunities and threats relating to mineral raw materials provision
A Data Repository
offering open access to background information relevant for the raw materials sector
Foresight studies
on sector trends
A platform for dialogues
on mineral raw materials thanks to exclusive high-level summits involving representatives of international intergovernmental organisations
Noticeboard

Blockchain technologies for the Mining Industry – 14 December 2020
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is holding an online event on 14 December 2020 (14:00-18:00 CET)…
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Coffee with Geoscience: EU policymakers meet geoscientists to exchange on the role mineral raw materials play for the EU Green Deal
Press release - November 2020 On 16 November 2020, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) gathered in a…
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Call for registrations to the Global Digital RACE 2020 - 19-21 November
The theme of the Global Digital RACE 2020 is “Raw Materials for Future Mobility”. Global Digital RACE is organised…
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Coffee with geoscience at the European Parliament
“Coffee with geoscience” is an event organised by the International Raw Materials Observatory in collaboration with the European…
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International Raw Materials Observatory becomes Earth Science Week 2020 Global Sponsor
The International Raw…
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Mineral commodity spotlight Tantalum
Did you know? Only 3 other metals have higher melting points than tantalum metal (3,017ºC): osmium (3,033ºC), rhenium…
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Register now: Executive Short Course on Resources Management using the UNFC
On 22 October, EIT Raw Materials and the International Raw Materials Observatory will co-organise an “Executive Short Course…
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Annual report 2018
The Observatory benefits, since its creation, from a deep understanding of the drivers that define best practice on…
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World Barometer, the Observatory's new fortnightly publication is now live!
The International Raw Materials Observatory is pleased to present its new fortnightly publication: the World Barometer. It is…
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