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Mining and processing of raw materials are at the beginning of allindustrial value chains. As global demand for raw materials grows,basic raw materials will continue to play a key role. Global valuechains have become a dominant feature of world trade. The processof production of goods from raw materials to the finished product,intended for the final consumer, is carried out primarily where thenecessary professional and material prerequisites are available, atcompetitive costs and quality. Although the EU has a long traditionof mining and processing raw materials, as well as rich reserves ofaggregates and non-metallic minerals, some metals such as copperand zinc, but also some critical raw materials. However, their use isnot optimal for various reasons, such as insufficient investment ingeological exploration and extraction, diverse and lengthy nationalpermitting procedures, or low public acceptance. Shortcomings inthe EU's mining, processing, recycling, refining and unbundlingcapacity (e.g. in the case of lithium or rare earths) reflect a lack ofresilience and high dependence on supplies from other parts of theworld. At the same time, the crisis caused by the COVID-19pandemic may have an impact on the further direction of industrialpolicy with an effort to increase diversification and regionalizationof production processes, resp. gaining economic sovereignty instrategic areas. Raw materials form the basis of the Europeaneconomy in order to secure jobs and competitiveness and areessential for maintaining and improving our quality of life. Ensuringreliable, sustainable and unhindered access to and circulation of rawmaterials in the economy is therefore a growing concern within theEU, not only regionally but also globally. It is for these reasons thatit is necessary to examine the consumption of materials in relationto the stage of development of countries.