CORDIS results pack on sustainable processing of mineral resources

Secure access to raw materials is central to Europe's continued economic success. Growing demand and the vulnerability of supply chains to disruption have resulted in the European Commission creating a list of critical raw materials (CRMs) for the EU, which is subject to a regular review and update. CRMs cover all raw materials where they hold high importance to the EU economy and there is high risk associated with their supply. This Results Pack therefore showcases EU-funded projects spearheading research that will improve the processing of these raw materials and enhance its sustainability. The goal of the Critical Raw Materials Act proposed by the European Commission is to secure the EU's future supply of CRMs required for technologies such as renewable energy and battery power, by supporting the EU's self-reliance in mining, processing and recycling the 34 listed critical metals and minerals. These technologies play a pivotal role in Europe's green transition, which is aimed at making Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050, and will help to deliver the European Green Deal. The 12 projects in this pack offer concrete technological solutions for mineral processing resulting from Horizon 2020 funded research and innovation projects, covering a wide range of CRMs. These include rare earth elements, which are necessary for high-tech consumer products like cellular telephones, computer hard drives, electric and hybrid vehicles, and flat screen monitors and televisions. The research also demonstrates how - by implementing technological innovation - these raw materials and side streams may be recovered and reused, instead of being discarded as waste.