Make innovation a major contributor to responsible mining

Following the successful edition of last year, Eramet is launching the 2021 edition of its Open Innovation Challenge on a theme which is crucial for the future of its activities: Responsible Mining.

Consumers, like our customers, are increasingly demanding low-carbon and responsible supply chains. Eramet is particularly well-positioned to meet this demand: CSR is at the center of our strategic model and positions Eramet as a committed and contributive corporate citizen.

Applicable to a wide area ranging from environmentally friendly exploration, water management, safety and monitoring at mining sites, mine rehabilitation and biodiversity to traceability of raw materials, this challenge illustrates the ambition of Eramet to make innovation a major contributor to responsible mining.

Start-ups and SMEs are invited to apply to the Eramet Responsible Mining Challenge 2021 from 15 June to 15 September 2021. The winning team will be awarded a collaboration contract with Eramet (up to EUR 50 000), with potential extension to a long-term collaboration.

This new edition of Eramet’s Open Innovation challenge is building on six years of successful collaboration with EIT RawMaterials which aims to provide efficient, competitive, and responsible technology solutions for a sustainable supply of mineral resources for the European market. It also illustrates the Group’s ambition to grow its network of partners and include more innovative start-ups and SMEs.

Eramet takes a 360° CSR approach integrating environment, climate, human rights, ethics and traceability of our products. Emerging technologies play a major role in advancing the mining industry, reducing the environmental impact of mining operations, as well as improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Marion Lenoir, Head of Open Innovation Department at Eramet Ideas

Ten successful applicants will be invited to pitch their solution to a jury at an Open Innovation event on 9 November 2021. After this presentation, only three candidates will have the opportunity to be coached by Eramet and EIT RawMaterials experts to better match their solution to Eramet’s specific issues. The winner will be chosen in early 2022.