Critical Raw Materials (CRMs): Importance, global focus, and their role in PVD technology
- Christos Pernagidis
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
In recent years, the demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) has surged, driven by the needs of high-tech industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and aerospace. These materials, which range from rare earth elements to speciality metals, play a crucial role in sophisticated manufacturing processes from an engineering perspective. For companies involved in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology, the importance of a stable supply of CRMs cannot be overstated. This article delves into the reasons why CRMs are so vital, the role of geopolitical interests, and the implications for the PVD sector.
1. Defining CRMs in an engineering context
Critical Raw Materials refers to substances that combine high economic importance with a risk of supply disruption. As outlined by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), the European Commission maintains a regularly updated list of materials considered critical based on factors such as:
• Economic Importance: The extent to which a particular CRM underpins vital industrial and technological processes.
• Supply Risk: Potential geopolitical, environmental, or logistical barriers to disrupt access.
For PVD processes—which rely on source materials (often sputtering targets) to create coatings for electronics, photovoltaics, aerospace components, and medical devices—fluctuations in CRM availability or pricing can significantly impact manufacturing continuity, cost, and innovation.
Reference: SGU on CRMs provides further details on how these materials are classified and monitored in Europe.
Source: SGU
2. Global Deposits and Geopolitical Interest
Greenland’s Potential
Greenland is reported to hold extensive deposits of rare earth elements (REEs) and other strategic metals, making it a potential goldmine for emerging technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable power systems (wind turbines, solar cells), and advanced defence applications. For any nation aiming for self-reliance in these sectors, securing a partnership or agreement with Greenland could be a game-changer, diversifying supply chains and reducing overdependence on traditional suppliers.
Ukraine’s Resources
Ukraine’s resource potential, with deposits of lithium, titanium, and various rare earth elements, is another focal point. As recent commentary by President Trump suggests, interest in Ukraine’s CRM reserves aligns with a broader strategy of diversifying supply to reduce reliance on other dominant sources. Ukraine’s location near key European industrial hubs further magnifies its strategic appeal economically and logistically.
Africa’s Vast Reserves
Beyond Greenland and Ukraine, African nations have historically been significant suppliers of metals such as cobalt, platinum group metals, and REEs. While offering vast potential, these resources often involve unique geopolitical and sustainability considerations (e.g., regulatory frameworks, ethical sourcing, environmental impacts).
3. Impact on PVD Technology
a. Material Requirements for PVD
Physical Vapor Deposition processes like sputtering, electron-beam evaporation, and cathodic arc deposition depend heavily on mid and high-purity target materials. Rare earth elements, speciality metals, and their oxides are key constituents in producing coatings with unique optical, electrical, or magnetic properties. Disruptions in CRM supply—or spikes in material costs—can lead to:
• Production delays: Inability to source specific sputtering targets.
• Increased costs: Volatility in raw material markets driving up expenses.
• R&D slowdowns: Delays in experimentation with new coatings if material inventories are tight.
Picture: HEA alloy
b. Technological evolution
CRMs enable critical performance attributes in thin films:
• Magnetic Thin Films (e.g., NdFeB-based coatings) for miniaturized actuators, sensors, and data storage.
• Optical Coatings using rare earth elements like cerium, lanthanum, or neodymium to fine-tune refractive indices and spectral selectivity.
• Catalytic Surfaces enhanced by incorporating lanthanides (e.g., cerium oxide) to improve oxidation resistance or catalytic activity in industrial processes.
c. Supply chain strategies
For PVD companies, a robust approach to sourcing CRMs can include:
• Diversifying suppliers: Reducing reliance on a single country or region.
• Recycling and recovery: Capturing precious elements from manufacturing scrap or end-of-life products.
• R&D on alternatives: Investigating substitution materials or process innovations to mitigate CRM vulnerabilities.
4. Looking ahead
From an engineering standpoint, the growing need for CRMs must be balanced with stable and sustainable sourcing, presenting an ongoing challenge. Recent geopolitical interest from leaders such as President Trump underscores how critical raw materials can become key to diplomatic and economic negotiations. This balance is crucial for the future of high-tech industries.
Moving forward:
• Collaboration among industry, governments, and research institutions will be vital to ensure ethical, traceable, and efficient extraction of CRMs.
• Innovation in PVD process design can help optimize the use of materials, reduce waste, and explore new alloy compositions.
• Monitoring the evolving landscape of CRM lists and assessments (including those by bodies like SGU) will guide strategic decisions and risk assessments.
For companies specializing in PVD, staying informed about CRM resource developments is not just a supply chain exercise—it’s also a core component of technological leadership. The PVD sector can remain resilient in the face of shifting global resource dynamics by planning for material availability, exploring recycling streams, and adopting flexible manufacturing methods.
Further reading and resources
• Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) – Critical Raw Materials
Details on the EU’s CRM list, Swedish mineral resources, and updates on supply and demand trends.
• European Commission – Critical Raw Materials
Regularly updated information on CRM policies, supply chain risk assessments, and strategic initiatives.
About Us
As a company specializing in Physical Vapor Deposition technologies, we continually explore advanced materials and processes to drive innovation in thin film applications. Understanding the implications of CRM supply and leveraging engineering strategies to secure these resources are integral to our long-term success and that of our partners. We invite industry peers, researchers, and policy stakeholders to engage with us in developing sustainable, robust solutions for the future of high-performance coating technologies.
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