Fraunhofer Chile has joined a leading international consortium to develop OPTIMINER, a Horizon Europe project that aims to transform the sustainable recovery of critical raw materials.
Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) -such as copper, lithium, cobalt, tungsten, magnesium, and neodymium- are the building blocks of clean technology. From batteries and electrolyzers to electric vehicles and solar panels, these materials are fundamental to the energy transition. As global demand surges, securing their supply while improving extraction and recycling methods has become an urgent priority.
Enter OPTIMINER. Funded by Horizon Europe, this initiative tackles the challenge head-on: optimizing mineral recovery from both primary deposits and tailings with a strong focus on environmental stewardship.
Launched in January 2025, the project unites a consortium of 20 partners across academia, research, and industry—including Fraunhofer Chile, Fraunhofer ISE, and the Chilean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Chile).
By leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning, OPTIMINER aims to boost extraction efficiency while minimizing water and energy consumption. The goal is to drive waste valorization through methods that are both competitive and environmentally conscious.
The project involves developing bespoke recovery systems to be tested and validated in real-world mining environments. Prototypes designed for intelligent separation of valuable materials and bioleaching will undergo rigorous trials, ensuring the processes are effective and meet high sustainability standards.
A Strategic Focus on Chile
A crucial component of the project is the Chilean case study, which will provide key data to complement international findings. This pilot will take place at Minera Hasparren in the Petorca area, focusing on the processing of copper, gold, and silver sulfide ores from local small-scale producers.
Participating countries: Greece, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Poland, Austria, Finland, and Chile.