The European Commission continues to reinforce its commitment to a secure, sustainable, and competitive supply of critical raw materials by supporting research and innovation projects under the Horizon Europe programme. Within this strategic framework, the SCIMIN-CRM project represents a key contribution to advancing circular and resource-efficient solutions for the European mining and raw materials sector.
Funded by the European Union and aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and strategic autonomy, SCIMIN-CRM (Sustainable & Circular Production of Mineral Critical Raw Materials) focuses on improving the sustainable and circular production of both critical and non-critical mineral raw materials. The project introduces innovative methodologies for the characterisation, valorisation, and recovery of historical mining stockpiles that were previously overlooked or insufficiently assessed.
By transforming these legacy materials into recoverable secondary resources, SCIMIN-CRM aims to significantly reduce analysis and processing times, enhance material circularity, and strengthen the competitiveness of the European mining industry. The project contributes directly to reducing waste, optimising the use of existing resources, and lowering the environmental footprint associated with primary extraction.
At international events such as PDAC 2026, ANEFA, as coordinator of SCIMIN-CRM, highlights the project’s potential to deliver practical and scalable solutions to current challenges related to critical raw materials supply, sustainability, and industrial resilience. SCIMIN-CRM demonstrates how advanced research, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration can unlock value from existing mining residues while supporting Europe’s raw materials strategy.
In addition to SCIMIN-CRM, ANEFA is also coordinating other EU-funded initiatives under Horizon Europe , such as ROTATE, which address complementary aspects of circularity and sustainability in essential and critical raw materials. Together, these projects underline the important role of sectoral organisations in bridging research, industry, and public policy.
Through SCIMIN-CRM, the European Commission and its industrial partners are taking concrete steps towards a more resilient, circular, and sustainable raw materials ecosystem, reinforcing Europe’s capacity to secure strategic mineral resources while meeting environmental and societal expectations.
