Duration of the project: 1.10.2023. – 30.09.2026.

Project leader: Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria

Consortium:

AGH University of Science and Technology
Euro Lithium Balkan D.o.o.
HELLAS GOLD S.A.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences (MEERI)
Montanuniversität Leoben
National Technical University of Athens - NTUA
Technische Universitaet Graz (Graz University of Technology)
Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF)
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, UPM (Technical University of Madrid)
University of Zagreb – Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering (UNIZG-RGNF)

Web stranica projekta: Not yet available

Contact person at UNIZG-RGNF: prof.dr.sc. Marta Mileusnić

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project description

The PRO SLO project aims to deliver two editions of a tailored PhD school to equip young researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the multiple challenges of SLO (Social Licence to Operate) in several case studies. The concept of SLO has no unique meaning as Raw Materials projects and communities (stakeholders) differ from case to case. In addition, it is a known fact that the Raw Materials industry projects mostly suffer from negative public image or scepticism at its mildest. Thus, thorough research on the very SLO concept and a holistic approach are needed to gain credibility and trust in the eyes of the engaging stakeholders. Through the developed PhD education programme, the young professionals will research different aspects of SLO to tackle real industry challenges on the spot and facilitate the implementation of RM projects in the future. The PhD school will incorporate
innovative teaching/learning methods, supplemented with field excursions, behavioural experiments and challenge-based assessments to ensure participant competence. Participants will be supported by mentors from the industry.

The project consortium is composed of eight high education institutions experienced in the delivery of EIT educational programs (AGH University of Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Montanuniversität Leoben, National Technical University of Athens – NTUA, Technische Universitaet Graz (Graz University of Technology), Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, UPM (Technical University of Madrid) and University of Zagreb – Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering (UNIZG-RGNF)); two industry partners which will point out the real challenges and provide case studies (Euro Lithium Balkan D.o.o. and HELLAS GOLD S.A.), and one RTO organisation (Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences (MEERI)) with project-related knowledge and solutions for the sustainable development.

Project objectives and scopes

The main project objective is to implement two PhD school editions – both combining online and on-site training – to instruct young professionals to become facilitators on SLO issues in their organisations and in the industry. The PhD education programme will be based on innovative learning methodologies, challenge-based assessments, behavioural experiments, and on-site visits; to approach the complexity of SLO from multiple aspects: social, economic, environmental, etc. An annual scientific conference will be organised in the middle of the second PRO-SLO school with mentors and keynote speakers from the industry ensuring additional expertise and knowledge exchange. The developed educational course will also be available on an online platform.

The role of UNIZG-RGNF – Mobility Scheme development

UNIZG-RGNF leads Work package 5 – PhD school implementation and 6 – EIT Labelling procedure. The main activities of WP5 include preparation, organisation and successful implementation of the two editions of PhD school. The first PRO-SLO school programme will be implemented in the 2nd project year in Croatia/Serbia, and the second edition will be implemented in the 3rd project year in Greece. Both school editions will be deployed in 3 stages:

• a first one-week online component where the theoretical basis will be taught,
• an interval period where the students will deepen their understanding of the contents learned,
• physical component with site visits to be organized by the academic partners in cooperation with the Industrial partners.

The main objectives of WP6 are to align the PhD school programme with the EIT labelling quality assurance procedures. The quality assurance procedure includes a maximum number of EIT labelled quality elements: (1) compulsory elements; (2) alignment with EIT Overarching Learning Outcomes (OLO), (3) alignment with EIT learning environment and facilities, (4) results and (5) stakeholders experience. UNIZG-RGNF will also participate in all other work packages (WP1, WP2, WP3 and WP4).

PRO-SLO PhD School-building PROfessional SLO Competence

Dear valued EIT RawMaterials community,  

I am excited to inform you that the 12th call for Knowledge and Innovation Community Added Value Activities (KAVA) is officially launched.
 
This year, we’re looking for projects in innovation and education, encompassing Upscaling, RIS Innovation and RIS Capacity and Master courses of excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity for organisations seeking funding to advance Europe’s raw materials sector through innovative and sustainable solutions.
 
Who can apply?
Eligibility extends to all organisations qualifying for the Horizon Europe programme. It is not a prerequisite to be a current partner of EIT RawMaterials; however, the partnership offers access to a wealth of expertise, potential collaborators, and assistance in consortium building.
 
Lighthouse programmes to guide the way
For up-scaling activities, RIS Capacity Building, and RIS Innovation, proposals should address at least one topic in the Lighthouse Appendix related to the 3 Lighthouse programmes of Circular Societies, Responsible Sourcing, and Sustainable Materials.

For Higher Education activity proposals, the focus shall be on Master courses of excellence on identified topics.

Important deadlines

• Proposal registration: Wednesday, 31 January 2024, at 13:00 CET
• DRAFT proposal submission for Upscaling and RIS activities: Wednesday, 31 January 2024, at 13:00 CET
• FINAL proposal submission for Education proposals: Wednesday, 31 January 2024, at 13:00 CET
• FINAL proposal submission for Upscaling and RIS activities: Wednesday, 29 May 2024, at 13:00 CET

Encouragement for diverse stakeholders
 
We strongly encourage our partners and stakeholders from various sectors - industry, research, and education - to participate.
 
This includes start-ups and SMEs with projects that promise to influence European industrial competitiveness, innovation capacity, and human capital. Your contributions are crucial in promoting the circular economy and achieving the green and digital transition goals set out in the European Green Deal.

Further information 
You can find further information on the KAVA call here and on our website.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the EIT RawMaterials team for any additional information on the new call.
We look forward to your innovative proposals that will help shape the future of Europe’s raw materials sector.
 
Best regards,
Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Raw Materials Summit
14 -16 May 2024, Brussels
Europe’s Leading Raw Materials Event

At the EGU2024 General Assembly (Vienna and online, 14-19 April 2024), there will be a scientific session on “Mining the future: new technological and analytical advances in mineral exploration and production”.

This session aims to bring together geoscientists working on applied or interdisciplinary studies associated with mining exploration, geophysics, petrology, geochemistry, metallurgy, selective mining, and remote sensing. We encourage interdisciplinary studies which use a combination of methods to solve challenges as diverse as, but not limited to:

• Field-based and analytical approaches to understand and map ore bodies at multiple scales, (e.g. geophysical and/or geochemical mapping, isotope dating, samples collection)
• Imaging
• Conceptual modelling and quantification of deposits and mineral systems
• Cost reduction in exploration and production (automated extraction planning, optimization of extraction tools, non-invasive exploration)
• Real-time selective mineralogy.
• Data-driven discovery in mineralogy and geochemistry (e.g. geostatistics)

In the name of the conveners, I would like to encourage you to participate in the session and submit abstracts. The session will include both oral presentations and posters, details of the abstract submission are described below.

• Mark your calendars for Friday, December 8th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the RGN faculty auditorium (ground floor, next to the Deans office).

• Join us for an enriching experience! This event is designed to promote academic and cultural understanding within our vibrant student community. With exciting presentations on Croatia and a diverse lineup of countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Iran, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, San Salvador and Yemen, you can expect a fascinating exchange of knowledge, experiences and cultural heritage, followed by a social gathering with light refreshments and drinks.

I. Admission requirements

1. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Geological engineering or an equivalent three or four-year study programme in the field of technical or natural sciences (Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Earth Sciences Engineering, Geosciences Engineering, Mining Engineering), earning at least 180 ECTS credits.
2. Candidates should have knowledge in Geology, Geological Engineering and/or Geophysics, which they prove with a minimum of 30 ECTS.

II. Submission of documents and application

All the application documents must be submitted by September 22nd, 2023, at the latest to Assoc. Prof. Ana Maričić (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

1. Proof of advanced English proficiency level: Students must have an adequate knowledge of written and spoken English, equivalent to at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR): TOEFL test (paper 570, cb 230, iBT 88), IELTS 6.5 or CAE (grade C1), TOEIC 792, which should be certified to obtain the degrees.
2. A copy of a valid passport or a copy of a valid identity card or certificate of citizenship (citizens of EU member states and citizens of non-EU countries).
3. Academic Recognition of Foreign Higher Education Qualifications (detailed instructions on the link http://www.unizg.hr/homepage/study-at-the-university-of-zagreb/academic-recognition-of-foreign-higher-education-qualifications/ ).
4. Fill in the Application form 
5. CV, Motivation letter, Transcript of records, Diploma of the previous study, Recommendation letters (2)

Applicants completing undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum are not required to submit documents under points b) and c).

III. Process of selection

The students applying to the University Master Study Programme in Applied Geology and Geological Engineering, Exploration and Environmental Geology module, will provide following mandatory documents:

The ranking of the applicants will be carried out in two steps according to the below mentioned criteria and scoring.

In the first step, applicants can achieve a maximum of 100-grade scale according to the application documentation, based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance of the previous degree to the mineral exploration scope of the TIMREX programme (20%)
2. Academic achievements of the applicant based on transcript of records and additional data (30%)
3. Rank of the university where the previous degree was received (10%)
4. Quality and information content of the motivation letter (10%)
5. Entrepreneurial and innovation potential of the candidate based on the CV and motivation letter (15%)
6. Level of English proficiency based on language certificate (10%)
7. Information content of the recommendation letters (5%)
8. In the second step, an interview with the applicants will be conducted. 

In the second step, applicants will be qualified according to the following criteria:

1. Level of professional background and experience of the applicant towards mineral resource exploration (40%)
2. Motivation of the applicant towards innovative mineral resource exploration solutions (30%)
3. Level of English proficiency (general and professional vocabulary) (30%)

IV. Admissions

Based on the grades from the first and second round evaluation, the final rank of the applicants will be defined.

As part of the diploma program, students will participate in the TIMREX (T-Shaped Master Program for Innovative Mineral Resource Exploration) program and are offered the possibility of obtaining a double degree and studying in the second year in Miskolc or Wroclaw. Students can also apply for a scholarship in the amount of EUR 13,500. for two years"

9:00-9:15 Opening of the workshop (Prof. Marta Mileusnić; Prof. Tina Žužek)

9:15-10:00 Introduction (Round table)

Panelists: Dr. Slavko Šolar (UNEC for Europe), Tina Benda (EIT Raw Materials); Prof. Nenad Tomašić (UNIZG-PMF), Efthymios Balomenos (Greek alumina plant MYTILINEOS); Prof. Kristina Žužek (JSI)

Moderator: Prof. Sibila Borojević Šoštarić (UNIZG RGNF)

10:00-10:30 Rare Earth Elements – introduction and basic properties (Prof. Nenad Tomašić, UNIZG-PMF, Croatia)

10:30-10:45 Coffee break

10:45-11:15 Geology and classification of REE deposits (Prof. Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF, Croatia)

11:15-11:45 REE deposits in ADRIA region (Dr. Radusinović, GEOZMN, Montenegro)

11:45-12:15 Classification of waste and types of secondary REE sources (Prof. Marta Mileusnić, UNIZG-RGNF, Croatia)

12:15-12:45 Potential of secondary REE sources in ADRIA region (Dr. Robert Šajn, GEOZS, Slovenia)

12:45-13:00 Coffee break

13:00 -13:30 Process Metallurgy and Metal Recycling of REE (Prof. Srećko Stopić, RWTH Aachen University, Germany)

13:30-14:00 Final discussion and closing (all lecturers; moderator: Sibila Borojević Šoštarić (UNIZG RGNF)

Dear students,

We are delighted to invite you to participate in the online event RIS Internship Matchmaking event on February 28^th at 10:00 a.m. where you can find out everything about paid internships for graduate students lasting 1 to 3 months! In addition to getting to know the program itself and hearing the experiences of former students, you will also have the opportunity to meet representatives of regional companies from the sectors of mining, geology, geological engineering, chemical engineering, construction, mechanical engineering, etc., ask them questions and invite them to 1:1 meeting. The matchmaking event is held via an online platform, and you will receive details and instructions after registering via the form (link). Applications are open until Sunday 26.2.

Participation is completely free and flexible. We definitely invite you to review the offer of the companies registered so far: https://application.ris-internship.eu/organizations and come up with the questions you want to ask them.

For additional questions, feel free to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Matchmaking radionica - Flyer

We have some exciting news to share with all of you. Two of our students Josip Vincek (master's degree in Mining) and Ivan Vujević (graduate major Geology of Mineral Deposits, currently EMerald), as part of the international team "Flinstone", won the finals of the world competition of geo scientists NGEA (Next Generation Explorers Award), organized by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). The Flinstone team processed a set of mineralization data in the vicinity of Flin Flon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and presented them under the title Complex data analysis for targeting VMS mineralization in the Flin Flon domain. (https://www.pdac.ca/members/students/faa/about-the-award)

The NGEA™ Challenge competition is open to students who are currently pursuing graduate or postgraduate and doctoral geoscience scans or conducting research (at the master's or Doctorate level) at the time of applying for the competition. The aim of the competition is to process and present a set of geological-geophysical-geochemical data on the prospective deposit in the world, provided by the companies Rio Tinto, BHP, Anglo American, geological surveys from almost all continents and other sponsors. The emphasis of the competition is on diversity and innovation, so teams are encouraged to include members from different fields of study such as geology, geological engineering, mining, geophysics, geochemistry, or the like. This year's competition final is in Toronto from 4.3.-8.3.

 Names of team members with associated institutions of residence:

Khouloud Jlail, PhD student (University of Miskolc, Hungary)

Mohamed Abdelnaby Oraby, MSc student (University of Miskolc, Hungary)

Josip Vincek, MSc student ( University of Zagreb, Croatia)

Rudolf Klaitr, MSc student (University of Miskolc, Hungary)

Irma Bečelytė, MSc student (Lund University, Sweden)

Ivan Vujević,  MSc student ( University of Liege, Belgium, UNIZG)

Dávid Csomai, MSc student (Lund University, Sweden)

The team also has 6 mentors and advisors:

 Ágnes Gál (Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj, Romania)

János Földessy (University of Miskolc, Hungary)

Ferenc Mádai (University of Miskolc, Hungary)

Endre Nádasi (University of Miskolc, Hungary)

István Márton (Stockwork Geoconsulting, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj, Romania)

János Kiss (Supervisory Authority of Regulatory Affairs | Geological Directorate | Dept. of Mineral Raw Material Exploration and Geophysics |  Geophysical Division)

This is actually the second year our colleagues have participated in this competition. Last year they worked on "Tellus" data with the aim of finding orogenic gold deposits in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and this year they chose the "Flin - Flon" data set that focuses on the  VMS mineralization of Saskatchewan and Manitoba province of Canada. Both years Ivan and Josip were in charge of the geological dana, 2D and 3D modeling and mine activities.

We would like to thank Professor Uroš Barudžija for recommending us for this competition and professors Ivica Pavičić and Stanko Ružičić for their immense help and advice when we needed it the most.

(Joint postgraduate specialist study of University of Rome and University of Zagreb)

Zagreb University together with Sapienza University of Rome and the participation of Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Tallinn University of Technology and the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland GEUS are offering a one-year Postgraduate specialist university course (60 ECTS) on CO2 Geological Storage with the support of CO2GeoNet, the Network of Excellence on the Geological Storage of CO2.

This study is designed to provide the participants with the scientific and technical knowledge that needs to be addressed for the successful storage of CO2 in geological formations. The students of the Master will be trained on all aspects of CO2 Geological Storage, and they will be introduced to the scientific and professional community working on CO2 Geological Storage in Europe and beyond.

The call for the Academic year 2026-2026 is now open.

The Master provides a comprehensive preparation for young professionals interested to work in the field of CCS. It is composed of a period of lessons (February to July), fieldwork and a period of traineeship at one of CO2GeoNet research institutes.

The Master will present an overview of state-of-the-art CCS operations and research; it will focus on the technical and scientific considerations for CO2 injection and safety monitoring, the exploration of critical processes in laboratory studies, numerical modelling, and conclusively on sound and reliable storage capacity estimates, including the project economics, social aspects, and planning of mitigation measures in case regulatory requirements are not fully met.

The students will be able to understand the work of the different specialists involved in CCS projects (such as reservoir engineers/geologists, sedimentologists, stratigraphers, geophysicists, structural geologists, geochemical modellers, regulators, etc.), learning from high level specialists, and connecting with the most advanced research institutes in Europe.

Candidates with Graduate level diploma (300 ECTS) in Geosciences are directly eligible, but also are the candidates with a similar diploma in Petroleum Engineering or similar (providing their curriculum is positively evaluated by the Educational-Scientific Council of the study).

Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) is a rapidly advancing field with many interdisciplinary scientific and technical challenges that are being addressed globally. This course is provided to prepare a new generation of young professionals who want to work on these topics.

More information at https://web.uniroma1.it/masterco2/home

Details about the study exactly at https://web.uniroma1.it/masterco2/en/course-description

For more detailed information contact study convenors directly:

Sabina Bigi This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Domagoj Vulin This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As part of the European project RECO2MAG, we organize online workshop "Green deal and circular economy challenges of rare earth-based permanent magnets (PMs) with technical aspects", which is intended for graduate and doctoral students, teachers as well as researchers and employees in industry. It will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022. The workshop is free of charge. Workshops language is English. Interested students can also register for a longer version with homework (such version will be awarded with 1 ECTS credit.

Link to registration form is here.