CORDIS results pack on processing and recycling of raw materials

The EU is ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials that underpin European industry's transition to a low-carbon, digital future. Europe relies on the global importation of some of the building blocks that support modern life. These critical raw materials (CRMs), which combine high economic importance with high supply risk, are needed for the manufacturing of batteries, construction tools, sensors, and electronic and medical devices. CRMs are vital to strategic sectors such as the net-zero and digital industries, as well as the aerospace and defence sectors. Demand is at an all-time high and is forecast to continue rising due to the green and digital transitions. For example, EU demand for lithium, which is used in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage, is predicted to increase twelve-fold by 2030. This CORDIS Results Pack showcases 10 projects funded under the Horizon programme that developed innovative clean, sustainable solutions for processing, refining, recovering and recycling of raw materials and byproducts. These initiatives contribute to the objectives of the European Critical Raw Materials Act by reducing dependency on imported CRMs and developing more sustainable and circular supply chains.