Call for proposals to establish a Social License to Operate (SLO) Hub

EIT RawMaterials has issued a call for proposals to establish a Social License to Operate (SLO) Hub, aiming to provide specialized training and consulting services for the raw materials sector, specifically addressing community engagement and sustainability. The Social License to Operate (SLO) is a crucial factor in mining and high-impact industries, as it represents the acceptance of a project by the local or regional community beyond the formal regulatory processes. The objective of this call is to develop an educational hub that helps companies and stakeholders manage the risks and challenges associated with gaining social approval for their operations. 

The SLO Hub will offer comprehensive training programs and consultation services to guide mining companies, local authorities, entrepreneurs, researchers, and NGOs on best practices for fostering community relations and ensuring sustainable operations. The goal is to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to address environmental, social, political, legal, and business challenges related to SLO in the raw materials sector. The Hub will be instrumental in supporting the European Union’s goals outlined in the Critical Raw Materials Act. 

• The Hub will develop courses targeting various stakeholders, including mining companies, start-ups, local authorities, researchers, and the wider public.
• Training programs will range from introductory courses on SLO concepts to advanced modules focusing on specific regions and regulatory environments.
• Key topics include EU regulations, tools for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, and strategies for using technology such as Earth observation for SLO monitoring. 
   

• The Hub will also offer consulting services to companies needing immediate support in analyzing regional needs, defining strategies for community engagement, and complying with local and international regulations.
• These services will help companies navigate complex social and political environments and apply advanced technological solutions for monitoring environmental and social impacts. 

The selected consortium will be tasked with the ideation, development, and delivery of a learning portfolio that includes:

• An introductory course that provides a general overview of the six key pillars of digital transformation relevant to the raw materials sector.
• Advanced courses on specific topics such as AI, machine learning, digital twins, and IoT in raw materials.
• Workshops and hands-on learning experiences that allow participants to directly apply new knowledge to their workplace.
• A proof-of-concept pilot that demonstrates the effectiveness of the portfolio by attracting at least 150 participants and generating a minimum of €10,000 in revenue within the 12-month project funding period.

Additionally, all content developed must incorporate innovative pedagogical techniques such as interactive digital tools, case studies, and real-world applications to ensure that participants can apply their learning to industry-specific challenges. 

The project will be implemented in two phases (this call pertains to only Phase 1):

• Phase 1 (12 months): Development of training materials, consulting frameworks, and a proof-of-concept pilot. This phase includes creating the blueprint for courses and consulting services, managing the project’s commercial aspects, and delivering a pilot program with at least 150 participants and €10,000 in revenue. 
• Phase 2: Full implementation of the SLO Hub, integrated within the EIT RawMaterials Academy. Phase 2 will depend on the success of Phase 1 and the availability of future funding. 
   

• Up to €800,000 in funding is available for the winning consortium, which will be disbursed on a costs-incurred basis in two tranches: 75% upon signing the project agreement and 25% upon approval of the final cost report.
• The consortium is encouraged to develop a plan for the long-term financial sustainability of the SLO Hub, ensuring that it generates revenue through course fees and consulting services beyond the period of EIT funding.
• Co-funding is not required but can be proposed. 
   

• Proposals must come from consortia that include representation from at least two pillars of the EIT Knowledge Triangle: academia, research, and industry.
• Consortium members must be active in at least three countries associated with the EU’s Horizon Europe Program or the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS).
• The lead partner must be an EIT RawMaterials Core or Associate Partner by the time the project starts. Non-partners are still encouraged to apply! 
   

• Complete development of course content and consulting service blueprints.
• A pilot program delivering at least 150 participants and generating €10,000 in revenue.
• Quality assurance frameworks to ensure the educational and consulting services meet industry standards.
• Comprehensive promotional and marketing strategies to ensure wide reach and participation in the SLO Hub’s offerings. 
   

• Proposals must be submitted by December 9, 2024, via the EIT RawMaterials’ SeedBook platform.
• Proposals will be evaluated on criteria such as the consortium’s experience, the project’s relevance to the raw materials sector, financial sustainability, and the potential to deliver high-quality educational and consulting services.
• The project is expected to begin by January 20, 2025. 
   

All intellectual property developed during Phase 1 will be transferred to EIT RawMaterials. However, consortium members may negotiate for exploitation rights if they wish to use the project results for their own purposes.

This call offers a unique opportunity for consortia to contribute to the development of a specialized educational and consulting platform focused on social and environmental sustainability within the raw materials sector, addressing key challenges in gaining community approval and fostering responsible operations. 

• Call launch: 8 October 2024 
• Application Start Date: 14 October 2024
• Proposal submission deadline: 9 December 2024
• Project start date (if selected): 20 January 2025 
   

• SLO Hub Call Guidelines
• Application Guidance and Template
   

About EIT RawMaterials

Minerals, metals, and advanced materials are key enablers to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. Today, only a fraction of the most relevant raw materials is produced in Europe. This can be changed through a circular economy approach, through innovation in recycling, substitution, processing, mining, and exploration. The objective of EIT RawMaterials is to secure a sustainable raw materials supply by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship across European industrial ecosystems.

EIT RawMaterials, initiated and funded by the EIT, a body of the European Union, is an Innovation Community which provides a collaborative environment for disruptive and breakthrough innovations by connecting business with academia, research, and investment. It also invests in future generations of innovators for the raw materials sector through initiatives ranging from education of school students to higher qualifications for industry professionals, through the EIT RawMaterials Academy.

About EIT RawMaterials Academy

EIT RawMaterials Academy is the overarching brand of all the education activities of EIT RawMaterials. These range from innovative education projects launched via calls and run by the Innovation Community’s partners to a number of centrally operated projects. Activities across the entire ecosystem of learners – PhD students, Masters’ students, industrial partners, professionals within the raw materials sector, and wider society – foster new ways of learning and teaching by connecting academia, industry, and research organisations.