Eramet and EIT RawMaterials are collaborating to launch the Water Resource Innovation Challenge 2023 – which aims to solve water management challenges in the mining and metals industry.
Mismanaging water supplies during mining operations can adversely affect local communities and habitats.
The Water Resource Innovation Challenge 2023 champions sustainable water management practices to minimise environmental impacts while obtaining critical raw materials that are crucial to the green transition.
Candidates are invited through the Water Resource Innovation Challenge to submit technological solutions to solve the most pertinent water-related challenges, including:
- Ensuring water quality by tackling pollution, wastewater management and erosion;
- Mitigating water consumption;
- Advancing recycling practices; and
- Establishing closed-loop systems in hydrometallurgy.
The winner will be awarded €50,000 to perform a proof of concept (POC) to test and develop their solution, which will be supported by Eramet.
Marion Lenoir, Open Innovation Director at Eramet Ideas, commented: “Capping water consumption and preserving its quality is a paramount global challenge. At Eramet, we believe that innovation plays a vital role in addressing this in our industry.
“We are excited to launch the Water Resource Innovation Challenge 2023 as we seek to discover and support the next innovator who can contribute to this crucial cause in cooperation with our teams.”
Eramet’s mission to improve mining sector sustainability
Eramet has utilised effective water management measures across its mining projects worldwide, developing solutions across Argentina, Gabon, and New Caledonia.
The company is now aiming to establish partnerships with innovative start-ups to provide a global platform to highlight their technologies and increase the sector’s sustainability.
The theme of last year’s challenge was dedicated to safety. Unusuals won the competition for their AI and data processing solution that automates the maintenance of assets and detects anomalies. The technology is now being trialled in Senegal.
This year the challenge is set to tackle another important issue in the mining and metals industry – ensuring sustainable water management.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director of EIT RawMaterials, explained: “Promoting sustainability in the mining and metals industry and fostering innovation are fundamental elements of EIT RawMaterials’ mission, so I am thrilled to announce our support for Eramet’s Water Resource Innovation Challenge 2023.
“Initiatives like this have a key role to play in providing sustainable access to strategic raw materials and Europe’s transition to a green and digital economy.”
How to apply for the Water Resource Innovation Challenge
Start-ups and SMEs offering solutions to maintain water quality, reduce consumption, or improve recycling in mining or hydrometallurgy can apply through this link from 5 June to 13 September 2023.
Ten pre-selected teams will be invited to participate in an online pitching round on 25 October 2023, with three finalists selected for the innovation seminar pitch in January 2024. The winner will be awarded a collaboration contract with Eramet and €50,000 in funding.
