The European Union has launched a €49 million Horizon Europe funding programme for critical-minerals processing and refining technologies, with around four projects expected to receive approximately €10 million-€12.5 million each.
The call targets technologies for processing low-grade and complex ores, concentrates and extractive waste, with critical raw materials given priority. Projects must reach Technology Readiness Levels 6-7, demonstrating technologies at pilot or relevant industrial scale and presenting a credible route to commercial deployment.
Funding Targets Mineral Processing
Eligible technologies include beneficiation, mineral separation, hydrometallurgy, refining and metal recovery from mine waste. Projects are expected to improve recovery while reducing energy consumption, water use, waste generation and pollution. Demonstration facilities must be located in the EU, while European industrial companies and downstream users are expected to participate in project consortia. The funding is intended to address the gap between laboratory development and industrial processing capacity. EU grants can provide non-dilutive capital for pilot plants before developers are ready to secure full project financing.
Focus Shifts Toward Commercial Processing
The programme reflects growing EU attention to processing alongside mining, covering potential supply chains for lithium, rare earths, graphite and other critical materials. Projects will need to demonstrate that their technologies can be scaled, integrated into industrial operations and supported by viable supply chains. Higher recovery rates and lower reagent, energy and water consumption are among the targeted improvements.
