EU may allow water-guzzling mines in drought zones

The European Commission plans to change a key water protection law to speed up mining for critical minerals. Many of these mines would be built in regions already suffering from drought. Mining requires large amounts of water for processing ore, controlling dust, managing waste, and draining sites. Even modern mines that recycle water still need significant supplies. In water-stressed areas, these demands can worsen pressure on rivers, underground water sources, and local water systems. Critics compare the move to "Russian roulette" for communities already facing water shortages. The planned rewrite of the EU’s flagship water law aims to boost access to minerals needed for batteries and green technology, but raises serious environmental concerns.