Zero Mine helps strengthen Europe’s recovery of critical raw materials through the METIUM project

Tapojärvi, a partner in the Zero Mine joint venture, is participating in the European METIUM project, which develops interregional solutions for the recovery of strategic raw materials and the advancement of the circular economy.

Within the METIUM project, Tapojärvi is responsible for testing hydrometallurgical processing by running pre-treated and sorted materials through a pilot-scale processing plant. The objective is to recover critical raw materials needed by European industries. Tapojärvi’s role is built on its strong expertise in material recovery and process optimisation, supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient raw material supply chain.

By combining practical industrial expertise with the development of circular economy innovations, Tapojärvi contributes to sustainable metallurgy and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy. This role is further complemented by the company’s participation in the Zero Mine joint venture, which is developing a patented technology for recovering critical metals from electronic waste without traditional mining operations.

About the METIUM Project

Project name: hydroMetallurgical Tech for Interregional Urban Mining Project
Acronym: METIUM
Project ID: 101228150
Call: I3-2024-INV2a (Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a)
Duration: 2025–2027

METIUM is creating the first EU interregional innovation ecosystem by scaling four cross-border value chains for Strategic Raw Materials (SRMs). The project employs advanced hydrometallurgical technologies as a reliable alternative to pyrometallurgical processes and focuses on the recovery of materials from lithium-ion batteries, platinum group metals (PGMs), rare earth elements (REEs), and copper and aluminium waste streams.

The project aims to demonstrate the efficient interregional processing of 3,200 kilograms of waste materials and recover up to 11 different strategic raw materials. Through collaboration across regions and industries, METIUM strengthens Europe’s open strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on external suppliers of critical materials.

In addition, the project promotes regional development by connecting less-developed regions with innovation hubs and by transforming industrial side streams into valuable resources that support the green transition and the circular economy.

The METIUM consortium consists of 19 partners from eight European countries and regions: Poland, Slovakia, Finland, Portugal, Lithuania, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, and Italy. The project is coordinated by Łukasiewicz – Instytut Metali Nieżelaznych in Poland.

Official website: www.metium.tuke.sk

Tapojärvi’s expertise in hydrometallurgical processing and circular economy solutions plays a key role in advancing Europe’s sustainable raw material supply and reducing dependence on virgin resources.

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