ScaVanger will ensure the steady supply of 100 % Sc, and 2 % Nb and V for the EU to become leader in growing markets (SOFC, aeronautics, HEX, HSLA). Recoverable resources are contained in liquid acid waste from TiO2 production (1.5 million t/y in EU), but landfilled at 6 M€/100 kt/y. The ScaVanger hydrometallurgical technologies will produce ScF3 (~5 t/y Sc), Nb-concentrate (92 t/y Nb), V-compounds (170 t/y V). The first plant will be operated by ScaVanger company at an EU TiO2 producer site and can then be adapted to 5 EU chlorine TiO2 production sites.

The challenge this project addresses is the increase in performance of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) while at the same time reducing the specific production costs of LiBs through a novel anode active material. The material was developed in close coordination with German automotive manufacturers and has reached TRL5. The consortium intends to transfer the process to industrial scale reaching TRL7 with a project duration of 3 years.

SEC4TD proposes an integrated end-to-end (E2E) solution composed of three hardware and software innovative products for mining operators and service providers that will enable multi-scale multi-platform data collection and visualization, events prediction, effective information management and data traceability. SEC4TD will connect the PHYSICAL and DIGITAL world to take advantage of the recent ICT innovations to support safety and sustainability concepts for tailings dam monitoring.

The SINReM programme continues to recruit excellent students and produce successful “resource engineers” who will reshape the raw materials sector into a circular economy. In this extension project we will:

- intensify recruitment of European students,

- establish an alumni community,

- strengthen and expand the non-academic partner network,

- integrate Deep Tech as well as Green and Digital transitions into the curriculum.

The EU copper sector needs lifelong learning courses to address challenges such as sustainability and new technological & market developments. SkiComCu aims to bridge this gap by providing skills for sustainable practices, communication, problem solving, and new technologies. The course (including off- & online curriculum and XR tools) is directed to current & future staff in the roles of Foremen & Operational Staff, Professionals & Office Staff, Managers & Senior Professionals and HR personnel

Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) presents unique opportunities to create, repair and extend life of large industrial equipment. In-situ microstructure control methodologies will be implemented in WAAM to improve the lifetime of industrial components. Inline multiparametric non-destructive testing will allow real-time defect detection during WAAM. One spin-off company, two case studies and two functional prototypes will be delivered.

SMILE’s contextual focus is smart manufacturing − the hallmark of the next industrial revolution, representing a cornerstone for economic competitiveness and growth in order to create jobs and improve the quality of life of citizens. SMILE’s overall objective is to accelerate institutional change and increase higher education institutions’ innovation and entrepreneurship capacities as well as their integration into regional innovation ecosystems.

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SOLSA-DEM’UP aims at bringing to market the first automated expert system for on-line drill cores and samples analysis. The concept is based on an integrated drilling coupled with an automated scanner and phase identification software, piloting various analytical instruments and interpreting the results in real time. This will revolutionize exploration campaigns and identification of soil, subsoil and related raw materials, by reducing time and costs, and facilitating environmental monitoring.