ROTATE's ambition is to tap the full potential of minerals extraction and processing in a sustainable and ecological way, developing the needed technologies and tools for achieving zero emissions and pollution for essential and critical raw materials obtention and ensuring a circular approach by implementing mechanisms for waste valorisation in the context of industrial symbiosis, especially reusing waste as aggregates for the construction sector and also recovering secondary products. ROTATE'S GENERAL OBJECTIVE is to achieve a near zero emissions and pollution obtention of raw materials, providing new tools for the mining industry in its journey to a more sustainable and green mineral extraction. The solutions proposed in the project will allow to improve the cut-off grade while reducing the environmental footprint of the whole process. The pilot demonstrations in mineral deposits with different paragenetic (minerals occurring together in a rock, formed by the same genetic process during the same stage) profiles will ensure the replication of the technologies to a wide variety of mining sites. To ensure EU?s lead on Critical Raw Materials access, the project is structured in three main interconnected PILLARS providing technical solutions and three transversal FLOORS covering cross cutting issues, including clustering and social acceptance. A series of technical Project Results of Pillars [PRP] and Project Results of Floors [PRF] will be delivered within the ROTATE's framework. ROTATE's will deliver specific methods and/or technologies aiming to overcome the reluctance of social agents to the exploitation of CRM deposits thanks to the environmental impact reduction achieved. This will result in an increase of the CRM sites that could be exploited in a future, boosting the access of EU to strategic CRM and enabling the development of the Renewables, e-mobility and Defence & Space sectors.

Europe must reduce its dependence on raw materials (RM). Over 100,000 MWFs hold vast potential for critical and non-critical RM, while addressing environmental concerns. SCIMIN-CRM aims to enhance access to primary and secondary RMs in Europe by leveraging MWFs' untapped potential. This involves developing a streamlined ‘fast-path’ process and a collaborative digital platform for smart assessment, alongside technology development for RM valorisation in various MWF types across Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. A roadmap will prioritize extraction of valuable CRM like fluorspar, baryte, REEs, and bauxite/aluminium, among others non-critical but highly valuable materials (e.g. copper, aggregates). SCIMIN-CRM will transform discarded materials into valuable resources, increasing valorisation from near 0% to 5% and reducing assessment time by -83%. It will deliver two mobile crushing technologies, a collaborative digital platform, and four cutting-edge processing methodologies. By 2030, the new process aims to become the standard for sustainable MWF assessment aligned with the CRM Act. The project will promote market adoption of sustainable solutions, offer capacity-building programs, enhance social acceptance, and foster industry collaboration. Ultimately, SCIMIN-CRM seeks to boost EU's access to RMs, improve economic performance, enhance recovery rates, and ensure responsible supply, contributing to long-term sustainability and competitiveness. The consortium involves 21 participants from 10 countries spanning the MWF value chain.