Podrobnosti razpisa:

Technologies for innovative processing of raw materials (Horizon Europe programme)

HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-16

Objective and scope

Increase Europe’s capacity for sustainable processing and refining of minerals and metals, especially critical raw materials.

Scope of activities

Develop innovative processing and refining technologies for low-grade or complex ores and extractive waste.
Establish an EU-based pilot facility to demonstrate the proposed technology with industrial users and value-chain partners.
Improve recovery, energy and water efficiency, process control and management of toxic substances; reduce waste, emissions and pollution.
Prepare a business case, exploitation and replication plans, and cooperate with relevant projects and initiatives.
Adapt to variable ore grades and waste streams using robust process control, manage any hazardous substances removed, and minimise resource losses and harm to biodiversity and ecosystems.
Give EU industry and users of recovered materials a prominent role. Plan resourced clustering activities, consider standardisation and financial opportunities, and provide a credible route to full-scale deployment in the EU with commitments from leading partners. Cooperation with EU raw-materials strategic partners, especially Ukraine, is encouraged.

Recycling of end-of-life products is outside this topic’s scope.

Expected technology development: TRL 5 → 7.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants include SMEs and start-ups, large companies, universities, research organisations and RTOs, public bodies and non-profit organisations with relevant expertise.

A standard collaborative consortium normally requires at least three independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including at least one entity established in an EU Member State. Participation and funding are subject to the General Annexes and topic-specific conditions.

Specific country and control restrictions: Participation is limited to entities established in EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, OECD countries, African Union states, MERCOSUR, CARIFORUM, the Andean Community, and countries meeting the topic’s EU raw-materials partnership or trade-agreement criteria. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by an ineligible country or entity cannot participate. Country eligibility for participation does not automatically establish eligibility for EU funding.

Consortium profiles

Mineral and metal processors, mining and extractive-waste operators, technology and equipment suppliers, industrial users, research organisations, RTOs and partners able to host or use an EU pilot facility.

Funding

Type of action: Innovation Action (IA)

Funding rate: Up to 70% for profit-making entities and up to 100% for non-profit legal entities.

Total topic budget: €49 million.

Expected EU contribution per project: €10–12.5 million. Other requested amounts may be considered if justified.

Eligible project costs follow the Horizon Europe grant rules and may include personnel, equipment depreciation, goods and services, justified subcontracting, travel and indirect costs.