International projects

S34I will research and innovate new data-driven methods to analyse Earth Observation (EO) data, supporting systematic mineral exploration and continuous monitoring of extraction, closure and post-closure activities with the aim to increase European knowledge and autonomy on raw materials resources. S34I uses EO not only for the management of technical and environmental issues for a green transition but also to support mining's social acceptance (SLO) and better legislation. Innovative EO-based products/services will provide new or more accurate RM mineral mapping/exploration, environmental and mine monitoring and mine safety, at different phases of the mine life cycle. ICAMCYL: PARTNER

MaDiTraCe’s main goal is to enlarge and integrate the portfolio of technological solutions reinforcing the reliability of critical raw material (CRM) tracking and the transparency of complex supply chains. The project aims to develop and test independent digital and geo-based approaches for CRM traceability and to integrate them with a generic certification scheme for CRMs throughout mineral supply chains from the mine to the manufactured and recycled products. The project intends to increase the TRL of experimental or largely untested methods in both domains, digital and material sciences. A special attention will be payed to the complexity of mineral supply chains with points of material aggregation and of transformation (processing, refining…) including circular economy (recycling). This methodology will enable downstream industrials to prove the reliability of their sustainability claims, complying with regulation in force (notably EU Battery regulation, German Supply Chain Act) and anticipating implementation of regulation to come (EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence). ICAMCYL: THIRD LINKED PARTY.

Securing access to raw materials is a crucial requisite for ensuring Europe’s recovery, resilience and essential to maintaining and improving our environment and quality of life. I4-GREEN is industry-driven, with 2 pilots at its core which will deploy circular innovations to the market focus on: 1) Unleashing the green innovation power of EU interregional Ecosystems. 2) Making mining green, circular and social through joint investments. 3) I4-GREEN stemmed from an interregional innovation network and will scale into a unique interregional ecosystem. ICAMCYL: PARTNER

This project proposes a lifelong learning course with thematic orientation Rare Earth (RE) Magnets and Motors to educate professionals who work or intend to work in the RE value chain industry. These specialists are essential to maintain and increase the resilience of the RE supply chain in Europe. The course uses a blended learning approach. The educational material includes 1 module on basic concepts of magnetism, and 5 modules the content of which covers critical aspects of the RE magnet value chain. ICAMCYL: PARTNER

The general objective of Project RESiLEX is to demonstrate 7 industry-driven technological and business innovative solutions covering the full Silicon value chain in order to contribute to improving the resilience and sustainability of this critical raw material value chain in Europe. RESiLEX (Resilient Enhancement for the Silicon Industry Leveraging the European matriX) will assess the economical, social and environmental impact of these solutions and identify, roadmap, provide open source policy-making recommendations to accelerate the replication of the ones with the highest potential, while also addressing transversal challenges from the European mining industry as a whole with a 8th pilot transversal demonstration.

Selective recovery of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) from underexploited mining side streams can contribute to reducing the European dependence on imports of these refractory metals. RUMBA: “Selective Recovery of CRMs (Nb, Ta, W) by Using MOFs Based Adsorbents” aims to improve the efficiency of conventional hydrometallurgical methods. These methods require the digestion of ores under strong acid or alkaline conditions and the recovery of CRM via liquid-liquid extraction. The feasibility for succeeding in the scientific and training objectives pursued in RUMBA is supported by the strong expertise of the host institution (ICAMCyL) in advanced mining technologies and the solid background of the researcher in synthesis and characterization of MOFs.

“Machine Learning for Tailoring Organic Semiconductors” (MALTOSE) connects fundamental materials research with machine-learning (ML) techniques, focusing on the electronic properties of organic semiconductors. The aim of this innovative project is to discover and design novel materials with exciting properties, the prime example being the design of compounds for better organic photovoltaic cells, i.e., that reach higher power-conversion efficiencies and are more stable and more environmentally friendly. The fellow will receive an advanced training programme in research skills and complementary non-research-oriented skills in order to enhance his future career prospects and to provide a strong basis for an independent career.

PASSENGER is developing an innovative way to produce permanent magnets without rare-earth materials and is piloting the new magnets in one of the most crucial fields for the European green economy: the electromobility sector.

PHEIDAS aims to bring into the market an innovative hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) from Spent Vehicle Catalytic Converters (SVCCs). The competitive advantage of this technology is the increased material recovery rate, as well as significantly lower operational costs.

The project provides a support platform for the reinforcement of existing value chains and the development of new industrial value chains in the raw materials and mining 'target' sectors by means of cross-sectoral and cross-regional innovation. It will also provide support services in cluster-related SMEs through synergies and interactions with providers and facilitators from the existing and emerging fields of ICT, circular economy, resource efficiency and advanced manufacturing.

ApplicationsUMA3 aims to create an international excellence centre to reinforce the UNIMI-FMSE position in its county and Hungary by enhancing the scientific excellence, knowledge and technology degree of innovation potential for Unique Materials for Advanced Aerospace Applications

Development of solutions aligned with the principles of circular economy for the recycling of end-of-life tires to generate secondary raw materials through high value-added technologies.

Interregional cooperation project that brings together both public and private entities from seven European to work on establishing a common knowledge base on the obstacles faced by European SMEs when trying to integrate Industry 4.0 solutions to their businesses.

Project designed for the recovery of critical raw materials (tungsten, niobium, tantalum) from mining waste. These refractory metals from low-grade waste are recovered by developing a suite of cost-effective, scalable and eco-friendly metallurgical processes.

INNOCAT main objective is to promote favorable policies in relation to critical raw materials in RIS countries and launching the operation of innovative territorial ecosystems for the replacement and recycling of catalytic converters.

Network of public and private entities from European mining and metallurgy regions with the aim of ensuring the sustained and sustainable supply of raw materials to the EU.

Development of innovative materials to improve the performance of concentrated solar power (CSP) towers in order to make them economically viable. NEXTOWER will address the needs by taking a comprehensive conceptual and manufacturing approach that will optimize bulk and joining materials for durability at the component level to achieve 25 years of maintenance-free continued service of the receiver and maximum thermodynamic efficiency at the system level.

Network for the evolution of research on energy poverty in the European domestic sphere, facilitating the development of a comprehensive, innovative regulatory framework based on scientific evidence. ENGAGER draws together scholars and practitioners based both within and outside Europe who focus on various aspects of complex energy poverty challenges, using the full suite of COST networking instruments

Network of international experts to find alternatives to critical raw materials for applications in extreme conditions and promote the industrial exploitation of substitute materials. The Action focuses on the substitution of CRMs (like Cr, Co, Nb, W, Y, and other rare earth elements) in high value alloys and metal-matrix composites used under extreme conditions of temperature, loading, friction, wear, corrosion, in Energy, Transportation and Machinery manufacturing industries.

Network of international experts for the evaluation of primary and secondary endogenous resources necessary to ensure the future supply of raw materials. The focus is on 1) construction and demolition waste, 2) materials regained from landfills and mining residues, 3) solid residues from waste incineration