8th Greek Raw Materials Community Dialogue

The EIT RawMaterials Regional Center Greece, after a successful 7-year series of activities inspired and supported by EIT Raw Materials, is organizing on November 9, 2023, the 8th Greek Raw Materials Community Dialogue, a well-established annual event, successfully organized since 2016, aiming to bridge the legacy with innovation for a sustainable future of the RM sector. The organization of the 8th Greek Raw Materials Community Dialogue, scheduled to take place in physical mode at the Royal Olympic Hotel on Thursday, November 9, 2023, titled: Raw Materials: From legacy to an innovative future.

This year, the Greek Raw Materials Community Dialogue, a well-established annual event, successfully organized by the Regional Center Greece of EIT Raw Materials (RCG) since 2016, aims to bring together the major Raw Materials producers and manufacturers of Greece and other RIS countries with innovative start-ups, SMEs, and potential entrepreneurs, so as to create for them the proper business environment to expand their network and join their strengths and skills with novel ideas to provide breakthrough solutions. Considering the importance that the Critical Raw Materials Act plays on strengthening the uptake and deployment of breakthrough technologies in strategic raw materials as well as in Green Energy, the event will be organised along the three following sessions:

• Session 1: Strategic, critical and essential raw materials in the ESEE Region. In Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the availability, mining, processing and management of strategic, critical, and essential raw materials play a vital role in the region’s sustainable development and security. Ensuring a stable supply of such resources is crucial to maintain competitiveness and reduce dependency on external sources. The region’s rich mineral resources and diverse geological formations offer opportunities for strategic material production. The dynamics surrounding strategic, critical and essential raw materials in the ESEE region, and especially in Greece, are multifaceted and constantly evolving. However, efficient extraction, processing, and sustainable management practices are necessary to harness their potential effectively. The objective of the session is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, opportunities, best practices and investment attractiveness related to these crucial resources. The session aims to explore the evolving dynamics of strategic, critical and essential raw materials in ESEE, determine how to increase investment confidence for the vast market potential that exists and facilitate discussions on their sustainable extraction, processing and management.
• Session 2: Investment potential in the EU Raw Materials Industry. The investment potential in the EU raw materials industry presents a compelling opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on sustainable and forward-looking ventures. As one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of raw materials, the EU holds a strategic position in global supply chains, offering a diverse range of investment prospects across various sectors. On the other hand, participants will discuss and showcase examples related to current and future investment needs of the EU raw materials industry that can contribute to resource security, supply chain resilience, sustainable growth and competitiveness of the EU’s raw materials sector. In this session, the investment potential within the EU’s raw materials industry will be explored, shedding light on key areas such as green mining technologies, resource recycling and reuse, cutting-edge research and innovation. By delving into the industry’s current landscape and future prospects, the aim is to provide valuable insights for investors seeking to capitalize on the EU’s commitment to sustainability and the transformative opportunities it offers within the raw materials sector.
• Session 3: Decarbonization of the Raw Materials Industry. The raw materials sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the integration of green energy practices. Renewables, such as solar and wind power, are increasingly being adopted to power mining operations and reduce carbon emissions. Mining electrification is gaining attraction, with the shift towards electric machinery and vehicles powered by clean energy sources. This includes the electrification of heavy truck transportation, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. These initiatives demonstrate the sector’s commitment to sustainability and a greener future. The objective of the Decarbonisation of the Raw Materials Industry session is to explore the role of renewables and innovative energy reduction practices in the raw materials industry, as well as the importance of recycling and adoption of carbon capture systems. The session aims to discuss and showcase innovative solutions and strategies that promote the decarbonisation of the RM sector.

More details are available at https://rcgreece.labmet.ntua.gr/community-dialogues/8th-greek-raw-materials-community-dialogue/.