A raw materials project meeting all five criteria -- supply-security contribution, technical feasibility, sustainable implementation, cross-border benefit, and mutual benefit for third countries -- is recognised by the Commission as a Strategic Project, which carries the priority permitting track, the financing subgroup and the offtake system.

Following an application of the project promoter and in accordance with the procedure established in Article 7, the Commission shall recognise as Strategic Projects raw material projects that meet the following criteria: (a) the project would make a meaningful contribution to the security of the Union’s supply of strategic raw materials; (b) the project is or will become technically feasible within a reasonable timeframe and the expected production volume of the project can be estimated with a sufficient level of confidence; (c) the project would be implemented sustainably, in particular as regards the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the prevention and minimisation of socially adverse impacts through the use of socially responsible practices including respect for human rights, indigenous peoples and labour rights, in particular in the case of involuntary resettlement, potential for quality job creation and meaningful engagement with local communities and relevant social partners, and the use of transparent business practices with adequate compliance policies to prevent and minimise risks of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration, including corruption and bribery; (d) for projects in the Union, the establishment, operation or production of the project would have cross-border benefits beyond the Member State concerned, including for downstream sectors; (e) for projects in third countries that are emerging markets or developing economies, the project would be mutually beneficial for the Union and the third country concerned by adding value in that third country.