VERA – Forward Visions on the European Research Area

VERA is funded by the European Union's FP7 programme for research,
technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 290705

Breakthrough technolgoies to secure the supply of critical minerals and metals in the EU economy

Code: D07

Primary project information

Lead: FP7 FarHorizon Project Coordinator: MIOIR, Luke Georghiou
Additional project partners: AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology, Commissie Overleg Sectorraden Onderzoek en Ontwikkeling, Malta Council for Science and Technology
Type of activity: EU FP7 Blue Skies Project
Date conducted: January 2011
Date of Publication: 2011
Duration: 30 MONTHS
Summary: The exercise was part of an EU FP7 Blue Skies Project aimed at poloting, developing and testing in real situations a foresight methodology designed to bring together key stakeholders for the purpose of exploring longer term challenges and building a shared vision that could guide the development of the relevant European research agenda. This approach was applied to the theme of "Breakthrough technologies for the security of supply of critical minerals and metals in the EU economy".
Financed by: DG RTD
Budget: N/A
Research area/market/industry/sector: Critical minerals and metals
Main report (full title): Georghiou L, Varet J, Larédo P (2011) Breakthrough technologies: For the security of supply of critical minerals and metals in the EU

GRAND CHALLENGES

Economic Challenges: Dramatic increases in demand for minerals and metals for aeropsace, agriculture, culture, defence, energy, environmental protenction, thealth, housing transport and water supply; Dramatic increases in demand for minerals and metals for emerging technologies and new industries; Growing demand for metals and minerals in highly populated emerging countries (e.g. China); Further acceleration of competition for access to mineral resources vital to any economy
Economic Challenges Shortlist: Dramatic increases in demand for minerals and metals for aeropsace, agriculture, culture, defence, energy, environmental protenction, thealth, housing transport and water supply; Dramatic increases in demand for minerals and metals for emerging technologies and new industries; Growing demand for metals and minerals in highly populated emerging countries (e.g. China); Further acceleration of competition for access to mineral resources vital to any economy

Summary of relevant aspects

Connecting fields: Mining, production, geology
Aspects of ERA Governance: Fair and sustainable supply of raw materials from international markets; Fostering sustainable supply within the EU; and Boosting resource efficiency and promotion of recycling
Aspects of RTI Governance: Three broad research priorities: 1) Research dealing with minerals resources intelligence, 2) Research leading to new or better technologies with a focus upon whatever is needed by industry, 3) Research on itigation and understanding of environmental aspects
Other Aspects of Governance: A holistic approach to sustainable natural resources management at international level is absolutely needed, and this is even more specifically the case for mineral resources.
Background information: This approach is applied here in the sector of critical minerals and metals. The theme was developed in partnership with the French geosciences institution BRGM and brought together twenty representatives of scientific organisations, industry and government agencies to identify the role of technology in addressing the socioeconomic and political challenges facing Europe in this sector. The topic itself is one of high strategic importance and the recommendationsin this report highlight both the external drivers which affect the area and the important contribution that research and innovation could potentially make.

Scenarios

Actions/solutions implied: Key action 1: Establish an integrated strategy for raw meterials supply and support it by providing continuous funding
Key action 2: Move from stop and go to a lasting approach with three central aspects for a research, technology and innovation programme
Key action 3: Increase the flow of trained people; Key action 4: Governance issues are critical
Who benefits from the actions taken?: industry, European economy

Meta information

Time horizon: 2030
Methods: Success scenario workshops
Target Group: Key stakeholders in European minerals and metals sector; development of Horizon 2020
Objectives: - explore longer term challenges
- build shared vision to guide the development of the relevant European research agenda
Countries covered: N/A
ERA actors/stakeholders mentioned: European industry
Geographic scope:

Entry Details

Rapporteur: Katharina Jarmai
Rapporteur's organization: AIT
Entry Date: 01.09.2012