What does preliminary economic assessment mean?
Preliminary economic assessment is the CRMA concept for an early-stage, conceptual assessment of whether recovering critical raw materials from extractive waste may be economically viable. It is not a bankable feasibility study, reserve statement, permit approval, strategic-project designation, or proof that recovery will actually happen.
Source context
This page is anchored in CRMA Article 2, point 39. It links the extractive-waste context to early project evaluation, but it should stay separate from reserves, extraction capacity, permit-granting process, and commercial supply commitments.
Official definitions by source
EU Critical Raw Materials Act
Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials
an early-stage, conceptual assessment of the potential economic viability of a project for the recovery of critical raw materials from extractive waste
CRMA Article 2 source-specific definition layer.
Reference: Article 2, point 39
View official source
Practical application
Implementation records should capture the assessment identifier, extractive-waste source, critical-raw-material target, viability assumption, project scope, assessment date, method limitation, and separation from feasibility studies, permit approval, strategic-project designation, or supply commitments.
Minespider commentary
Preliminary economic assessment is an early-viability assessment control: the evidence consequence is that extractive-waste recovery potential can be tracked as a conceptual opportunity without overstating reserves, supply security, financing, or compliance.
Common confusions
- A preliminary economic assessment is not a bankable feasibility study or final investment decision.
- It does not prove that reserves exist or that recovery of critical raw materials will occur.
- It should not be treated as permit approval, strategic-project designation, or commercial supply proof.
Related regulations
Related terms