Project duration: 1 January 2019 – 31 January 2021

Objective

In the pyrometallurgical copper smelting process the main product is copper, but there are other products generated in consequence of the extraction of the ore, this is the case of the Iron Silicates (commonly called copper slags) which are the largest co-product generated during the smelting and converting processes of the pyrometallurgical route: for every ton of copper production about 2.2 ton of copper slag is generated. The European copper sector generates approximately 5 million tons of iron silicates in the pyrometallurgical route in the EU, containing valuable metals and other compounds.  Traditionally, copper slags were considered as undesirable waste materials that had to be discarded at an additional cost. However, it can be used in several applications in the construction sector.

The solution (technology)

The objective of WhISPER is to substitute the actual technology for the granulation of the iron silicate by new technology in the copper sector which is more sustainable, from the environmental and from the economic point of view. Thanks to the atomization technology, water consumption will be drastically reduced, and heat will be recovered in the granulation process of the copper slags, so operational costs will decrease significantly and will make the process greener. The second benefit of the technology is that the quality of the copper slag is expected to improve, and so the product will have an added value. The new applications of the iron silicate will be studied in the project.

Partnership

• Atlantic Copper S.L.U., Spain (Lead Partner)
• Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
• ResourceFull BVBA, Belgium
• Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Germany
• Université de Bordeaux, France
• Zavod za gradbenistvo Slovenije, ZAG (Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute), Slovenia

Project duration: 17 June 2019 – 31 December 2019

Objective

This project focuses on the generation of intelligence, data and information related to the framework conditions to boost innovation relevant to the present and future Mobility Transition trends. It is aimed to identify main conditions and barriers to support innovation in this area, particularly for the EU-Africa context. The information is sourced from a wide range of stakeholders in the context of Mobility Transition, with emphasis on resource-rich countries in Africa and its unique selling points compared to other similar stakeholders globally. The ultimate goal is to create win-win situations for Africa and Europe where both can successfully contribute to a sustainable Mobility Transition in line with Sustainable Development Goals, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Paris Climate Agreement, Conflict Minerals monitoring supply chains and other key directives, in particular the EC communication on A Clean Planet for All – A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, moderns, competitive and climate neutral economy.

The solution (technology)

Crucial information will be gathered by means of: firstly, a thorough stakeholders’ analysis encompassing the full 8 stakeholder categories, their local-to-global geographic impact, as well as an assessment of their specific impact on the sector either hindering or promoting actions, in the immediate, medium and long term. Secondly, a web-based forum composed by relevant representatives of those areas, followed by a face-to-face workshop in Brussels and the formation of a steering board. Thirdly, a face-to-face workshop with national, regional and local representatives of African stakeholders will be carried on with the support of the GATEWAY II Consortium, who will in synergy facilitate its distribution channels, networks and logistics. Finally, a web-based analysis of the results produced will be implemented and made publicly available after thorough consultation with EIT RawMaterials.

Deliverables of this project are 2 reports with recommendations, 1 infogram, 1 visual summary, 1 ppt presentation, 1 pdf description and 1 excel spreadsheet analysed via graphs.

Beneficiaries of this project are the full EIT RawMaterials Community who will be contacted throughout the project and after the results are produced. Also, the involved stakeholders in the EU and Africa, in particular, will benefit from this project results.

This project addresses the data gap problem in relation to how best supporting innovation on the new trends of Mobility. In particular, for the security of supply and responsible production and consumption of minor metals required for the implementation of modern transport systems via electric vehicles.

Partnership

• Trinity Dublin College, Ireland (Lead Partner)
• Aalto-Korkeakoulusaatio (Aalto University), Finland
• Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas M.P., CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), Spain
• Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain
• Geologian tutkimuskeskus, GTK (Geological Survey of Finland), Finland
• Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), Sweden
• Sandvik AB, Sweden
• Sandvik SRP AB, Sweden
• Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
• Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola Bochum (THGA Bochum), Germany
• Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), Germany

Project duration: 1 January 2018 – 31 December 2019

Objective

The secondary source of critical raw materials (CRM’s) becomes more and more important. Therefore it is necessary for civil servants, especially policy makers, students and manufacturers to learn more about waste management and CRM’s.For this a MOOC has been set up as a low threshold approach, followed by a hands-on course, with practical assignments and visits to leading companies in waste management, recycling and remanufacturing.

The solution (technology)

The secondary source of critical raw materials becomes more and more important. Therefore it is necessary for civil servants, especially policy makers, students and manufacturers to learn more about waste management in general and the newest developments. Because most of these professionals and students have a busy schedule, a MOOC has been set up. The MOOC focusses on the problems with CRM’s such as the issues of a resource resilient Europe and environmental problem of mismanagement discarded CRM’s. The MOOC also offers not only solutions but also interesting new business opportunities, by also focussing on psychology and waste collection systems, recycling systems and remanufacturing. The MOOC also touches the product design influencing options in recycling and remanufacturing, and links with circular economy.

A MOOC does have the draw-back that the attendees can not have hands-on experience. Therefore a matching 2-day course is set up, with practical assignments and visits to leading companies in waste management, recycling and remanufacturing. The MOOC is in English and for free. There are 6 lessons in 6 weeks, in which there is the opportunity for dialog, questions and discussions.

Partnership

• Technische Universiteit Delft (Delft University of Technology), Netherlands (Lead Partner)
• Ghent University, Belgium
• Institut polytechnique de Grenoble (INP Grenoble Institute of Technology), France
• Relight S.R.L., Italy
• University of Limerick, Ireland

For more information, please visit the project web page.

Project duration: 1 January 2016 – 31 December 2018

Objective

The main objective of the project is to take the existing X-ray and sorting technology at least to TRL 7 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment) and to introduce X-ray technology to the RM sector. A prototype will be built and tested with real material first in

The solution (technology)

A prototype will be built and tested with real material first in laboratory environment before setting it up as an at-line system at a mine and finally integrating it into the production line.

Partnership

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. (Fraunhofer), Germany (Lead Partner)
• LTU Business AB, Sweden
• Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden
• Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB, LKAB, Sweden