Critical Raw Materials Innovation Sprint ​Programme

The aim of this sprint program is to encourage the development of new manufacturing technologies for the critical materials supply chain. Through collaboration with partners in the UK and India, several challenges have been identified.

Your project can focus on one or more of the following: -

Improved processes in terms of selectivity, carbon footprint, reduced complexity, or reduced cost for:

Extraction of metals from ore bodies or mine tailings.

Extraction of materials from end-of-life sources (including but not limited to battery black mass / magnets, electronic devices)

Application of existing technologies developed in one application to new market segments in critical materials, for example but not limited to improved separation or extraction processes for rare earth elements.

Methods for efficient extraction or recycling of less economically favourable materials for example but not limited to:

battery graphite - ability to tailor properties for battery application/achieve purities > 99%

extraction of metals from tailings with low metal content.

Screening of alternative materials to reduce dependence on critical raw materials.

Early-stage evaluation of processes including Technoeconomic analysis, life cycle assessment, or through use of digital approaches.