The IRTC project, coordinated by ESM Foundation, has published a joint scientific paper by leading international experts on the determination of material criticality. The paper reviews existing criticality assessment methods with the aim of analyzing them, detecting common flaws and suggesting best practices. The consortium currently conducts research on how criticality can be mitigated using circular economy inspired measures, preparing another joint scientific paper. The IRTC project will now enter its second phase “IRTC-Business”, with the long-term goal to develop guidance for companies concerning their exposure to criticality and suitable mitigation measures.

What is the EU’s approach to critical raw materials and what role will they play in Europe’s future challenges? Alessandra Hool, CEO of the ESM Foundation, held a webinar on this topic at the Critical Materials Institute, hosted by the Colorado School of Mines. It showed how the EU Raw Materials Initiative, launched in 2008, created today’s EU institutions and how the EU proceeds in terms of criticality assessment. As an example in which the European industry faces problems with the supply of raw materials, it cites batteries. To find out what else she had to say about today’s challenges and the IRTC project, click hier, to watch the complete webinar.