The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) has issued a stark critique of the federal government’s approach to resource acquisition, urging a significant shift toward exploiting domestic mineral deposits. In a position paper, seen by the Rheinische Post, the DIHK argues that Germany’s continued reliance on foreign sources presents a dangerous paradox, particularly given the nation’s own untapped reserves of crucial construction and industrial minerals.
The DIHK’s call represents a direct challenge to the government’s current strategy, which prioritizes sustainability and ethical sourcing. The chamber maintains that the potential for domestic production is being stifled by a complex and protracted regulatory environment. Lengthy approval processes, escalating competition for land use and increasingly stringent environmental regulations are cited as key impediments to unlocking Germany’s mineral wealth.
Beyond the domestic production shortfall, the DIHK’s paper also targets the government’s handling of international supply chains. It alleges that current due diligence requirements, established by the government itself regarding ethical sourcing, are often impossible for German businesses to fulfill, particularly when importing from high-risk nations. The chamber proposes a tiered approach to compliance, suggesting temporary exemptions, pilot programs and phased reporting obligations for companies operating in volatile regions – a proposal likely to draw criticism from human rights advocates concerned about exacerbating exploitative labor practices.
The DIHK’s call extends to a confrontation with international trade barriers. The organization is demanding Berlin and Brussels exert greater pressure to enforce World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, specifically targeting export restrictions imposed by certain nations. This assertive stance highlights a growing tension between Germany’s commitment to ethical sourcing and its desire to ensure a stable and affordable supply of critical materials, a strategic imperative deemed vital for maintaining its industrial competitiveness. Whether the government will heed the DIHK’s call for a rebalancing of resource acquisition policies remains to be seen, but the debate underscores a fundamental clash between environmental protection, economic necessity and Germany’s role in the global trading system.