European Raw Materials Week was held from 9 to 13 December in Brussels. HEPHAESTUS partner SOLVOMET (KU Leuven) joined over 1,400 stakeholders from across industry, government, academia, and civil society in what has become the EU’s flagship policy event on raw materials.
This year’s Raw Materials Week was especially significant, coinciding with the first year of implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), a legislative cornerstone in the EU’s efforts to secure a sustainable and resilient supply of critical raw materials. The CRMA sets ambitious 2030 targets: at least 10% of strategic raw materials to be extracted, 40% processed, and 25% recycled within the EU. At the heart of the discussions were themes closely aligned with the goals of HEPHAESTUS: enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy through innovative processing technologies, environmentally responsible resource recovery, and the development of new circular value chains for critical raw materials. These alignments underscore the importance of projects like HEPHAESTUS in translating policy into action.
As a Horizon Europe initiative, HEPHAESTUS develops advanced hydrometallurgical and electrochemical solutions for recovering critical metals, from industrial waste streams. This work directly contributes to CRMA objectives by boosting domestic recycling and processing capacity, reducing reliance on third-country imports, and ensuring high environmental and social standards in material sourcing.
The SOLVOMET team contributed to discussions on innovative separation techniques and circularity, showcasing how hydrometallurgical processes offer a low-carbon alternative for critical raw material recovery. Their participation helped bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial-scale solutions, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in responsible raw materials technologies.
Raw Materials Week 2024 also spotlighted the importance of international partnerships, digital innovation, and skills development, all essential components for the successful transition to a greener, more resource-efficient economy. In this context, HEPHAESTUS remains committed to fostering collaboration across borders and sectors. By aligning its mission with the CRMA and broader EU strategies, HEPHAESTUS demonstrates how targeted research and innovation can support Europe’s transformation into a raw materials powerhouse.
Explore the Critical Raw Materials Act here.
Read more about EU Raw Materials Week 2024 here.
