Solvomet KU Leuven took part in the European Raw Materials Week in Brussels, held from 17 to 21 November 2025. A team from Solvomet and SIM2 KU Leuven, including Prof. Peter Tom Jones and the Policy Manager of Solvomet/SIM2, represented the institute at multiple sessions throughout the week. Their participation supports Solvomet’s mission to closely monitor raw materials policy developments, anticipate new regulatory frameworks and ensure that the institute’s research activities remain well aligned with European strategic priorities.
The event gathered stakeholders from European institutions, industry, governments, academia and civil society to address a central challenge: securing a sustainable and resilient supply of raw materials for Europe’s green and digital transitions. Raw materials account for only one percent of the EU’s GDP yet contribute fifteen percent to it, illustrating their fundamental importance for Europe’s industrial value chains.
This year’s programme focused on making Europe more competitive and more attractive for investment, extraction, processing and recycling. Speakers highlighted the need for faster permitting, stronger value chains and deeper partnerships beyond the EU. Managing complex geopolitical relations was presented as a necessity rather than an option. Participants also underlined the impact of high energy prices and the urgent need to build viable industrial business cases.
For Solvomet KU Leuven, these topics remain highly relevant. The institute’s work contributes to research supporting the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act, promotes circular processing pathways and strengthens Europe’s scientific and technological capabilities in the raw materials sector. Understanding the evolving policy landscape is essential, and the team’s presence ensured that ongoing and future research activities remain closely aligned with European objectives and funding directions.
The discussions during the Week also connect strongly to the aims of the REE-FLEX project, which focuses on advancing next-generation rare earth separation technology and supporting processing of rare earths in France in the new Caremag facility of Carester. Three themes from the Week resonate particularly with REE-FLEX:
- Using resources more efficiently
REE-FLEX contributes by modernising solvent extraction for rare earth elements, enabling more flexible feedstocks and reducing the need for new primary materials through improved efficiency and adaptability. - Significant energy and cost savings
By integrating AI, real-time monitoring and optimised solvent extraction processes, REE-FLEX aims to substantially reduce energy consumption as well as OPEX and CAPEX within rare earth separation, supporting the EU’s drive for low-impact, competitive industrial processes. - Strengthening Europe’s resilience in critical raw materials
REE-FLEX enables individual rare earth separation via the nitrate route and will deliver a modular solvent extraction pilot unit (skid) designed and built by Carester. This supports Europe’s strategic ambition to secure domestic and diversified value chains, reducing dependence on external suppliers.
Through active engagement in events such as the European Raw Materials Week, and through projects like REE-FLEX, Solvomet KU Leuven contributes to building a more resilient raw materials future for Europe.
