Global energy consumption and the demand for industrial raw materials are continuing to increase with the sustained rise of new economic powers. Although German politics and the German economy are already well placed in many respects regarding energy and raw material supplies, there are three areas that are manifestly due greater attention in a purposeful foreign policy. These include urban mining and the substitution of raw materials, particularly in order to reduce dependence on rare earths; establishing a dialogue on energy issues with developing and newly industrialised countries.