mitja@pmfbl.org – SLO Hub for the RM Sector

Geologists at the Frontline of Responsible Raw Materials Development

As part of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project activities, the project team from the University of Banja Luka visited the Geological Survey of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. The visit marked an important step in fostering dialogue between academia and national geological institutions on responsible raw material governance.

With a legacy dating back to 1898, the Geological Survey stands as a key institution in the country, providing essential geological data, supporting mineral resource assessment, and contributing to sustainable resource management. Its role in bridging scientific research, industry needs, and public sector priorities makes it a crucial partner in advancing informed and responsible decision-making.

During the meeting, the UNIBL team presented our project’s objectives, with a particular focus on strengthening Social Licence to Operate (SLO) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion evolved towards ongoing geological investigations in the country, highlighting the importance of long-term research in building trust and reducing uncertainty in the raw materials sector.

A particularly relevant example was shared by Ismir Hajdarević, Expert Advisor for Non-metals, who presented insights into the long-standing exploration of crude oil resources near Tuzla. The potential continuation of nearly two decades of geological investigations reflects both the complexity and the strategic importance of such projects, as well as the need for reliable data and institutional expertise in guiding future developments.

The meeting also opened new avenues for collaboration. Initial discussions were launched on potential joint research activities, particularly focusing on the chemical analysis of crude oil samples, further strengthening the link between geological expertise and academic research.

Building on this continued collaboration, a representative of the Geological Survey of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, graduate geologist Selma Ćatić, visited the University of Banja Luka to further strengthen joint research efforts.

The visit focused on the continuation of ongoing research on domestic kaolin, with particular attention given to assessing the potential of this deposit as a valuable raw material resource. Through the exchange of knowledge and expertise, both institutions explored opportunities for advancing the understanding of kaolin properties and its possible applications.

This follow-up visit further reinforced the importance of sustained cooperation between geological institutions and academia, highlighting how joint research initiatives can contribute to unlocking the potential of local raw materials while supporting responsible and knowledge-based resource development.

SLO Webinar Series: Understanding Social License to Operate

The SLO Webinar Series offers practical insights into the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in the European raw materials sector. The programme is designed to help participants better understand stakeholder engagement, regulatory challenges, and strategies for building community trust in project development.

Across two interactive online sessions, participants will explore SLO fundamentals, the European governance and ESG context, stakeholder mapping, and real-life case studies, along with practical tools for communication and engagement.

The webinar will be delivered by leading European experts and institutions, and will take place in two identical rounds:

5–6 May
26–27 May

Participants can choose the session that best suits their schedule.

Registration is now open

Organised within the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, with support from EIT RawMaterials.

Inspiring Circular Economy Awareness Among Young People in Bystrzyca

On 18 March 2026, the environmental conference titled “Circular Economy in Our Everyday Lives. Recycling Is Possible” was held at Bronisław Malinowski Primary School in Bystrzyca, Poland, within the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, which aims to support the development of training tools and dialogue for responsible and sustainable action in the raw materials sector. The event brought together students, teachers, researchers, and local stakeholders, with the aim of promoting environmental awareness among young people and highlighting the importance of circular economy principles in everyday life.

The programme combined expert presentations with interactive and creative activities. Among the speakers were Prof. Joanna Kulczycka and Dr Agnieszka Nowaczek from the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, who presented perspectives on the redevelopment of post-mining areas, using the Awida sand mine as a local example. A key element of the conference was the active involvement of students, who participated in project-based activities focused on designing sustainable redevelopment concepts for the former mining site. Through this exercise, they explored ideas such as green areas, recreational zones, and community spaces, demonstrating creativity and awareness of environmental responsibility.

The event also included an eco-fashion show, where students presented outfits made from recycled materials, reinforcing the message that sustainable practices can be both practical and innovative. The conference highlighted the importance of cooperation between education, science, and local communities, as well as the role of young generations in promoting sustainable behaviors and responsible resource use.

Europe’s Lithium Ambition: Between Strategic Need and Social Acceptance

The growing demand for lithium, driven by the global energy transition, has placed increasing pressure on Europe to secure a stable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. In numerical terms, the European Union aims for a market of 100% electric cars by 2035, which is expected to increase lithium demand eighteenfold by 2030.

To support this goal, the EU has allocated more than one third of its overall investments in strategic raw materials (22 out of 60 projects) to lithium extraction, while the remaining projects focus on sixteen other critical resources. All of these efforts share a common objective: to reduce Europe’s dependence on suppliers from other continents and consequently lower import rates.

However, beyond regulatory frameworks and economic motivation, the success of such initiatives largely depends on obtaining a Social Licence to Operate (SLO) and earning public trust in the mining and/or processing industry. Since this has been one of the main objectives of our RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, we would like to highlight a few ongoing case studies from different parts of Europe, which also involve our project partners.

A notable example of successfully obtaining SLO can be observed in Finland, where Keliber, a mining and battery chemicals company, integrates lithium ore extraction with mineral processing and incorporation into final products such as electric vehicle batteries. The mine began operations in February 2026 at the Kaustinen site and is connected to the Kokkola site, which is expected to become operational in the autumn 2026 with an overall number of employees being 350. The deposits, totaling 12.7 million tons of lithium ore, represent one of the most significant resources in Europe, alongside major sites in Serbia, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Kaustinen and Kokkola sites are expected to support the annual production of 15,000 tons of lithium hydroxide for the battery industry.

In addition to supporting projects within EU Member States, the European Union has also identified 13 strategic projects in non-EU countries, one of which is the Jadar project in Serbia. The Jadar deposit located in Eastern Serbia contains high-quality boron and lithium, and has the potential to support long-term production and supply lithium for decades. However, while Finland has successfully aligned regulatory oversight and community engagement, the situation in Serbia shows that the absence of public trust and perceived environmental risks can significantly hinder success of such projects. Namely, there is concern and fear among the locals of the Jadar Valley region that the opening of the mine might cause an ecological disaster. This concern comes from the consequences that the previous operations of the main mining company – Rio Tinto – have left on nature in other parts of the world, but also from the lack of trust to the national decision makers.

A similar pattern of early resistance can be observed in Majevica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where lithium exploration activities have triggered public concern. Although extensive geological investigations have already been completed, estimating resources of approximately 2 million tons of lithium carbonate. Despite this potential for local development, communities have expressed skepticism, largely driven by fears of environmental degradation and lack of trust in institutional processes, further provoked by intransparency of the concession approval process. Additionally, regional dynamics, including the experience of the Jadar project, have influenced public perception and contributed to prejudices toward mining initiatives, even though Bosnia and Herzegovina itself has a strong mining tradition dating back at least 800 years.

A comparative analysis of these cases reveals that the key determinants of SLO extend beyond geological potential and economic viability. Factors such as institutional trust, transparency, early and continuous stakeholder engagement, and effective communication play a decisive role in shaping public acceptance.

European ambition to secure critical raw materials for the green transition cannot be achieved solely through policy frameworks and resource availability. The Social Licence to Operate emerges as a crucial, and often decisive, factor in determining whether mining projects can proceed.

Keliber mine Kaustinen Finland corrected

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Empowering Social Licence to Operate with PASECO’s Expertise

Since the @RM SLO PLUS Hub project focuses on knowledge and experience exchange to promote sustainable and socially responsible operations in the raw materials sector, the expertise of our partner, PASECO SP LTD, plays a key role in bridging the gap between industry practices and societal expectations.

Based in Athens, PASECO is an engineering and consultancy company with over twenty-five years of experience in environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and development. The company was founded by @Demetres Economides, who, together with @Eleni Triantafyllopoulou, actively contributes to the RM SLO PLUS Hub project, bringing extensive expertise and strategic insight to the consortium. Beyond Greece, PASECO has carried out projects in more than twenty countries across the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, making them a key partner for developing consulting services in the raw materials sector at both regional and international levels.

Within the project, PASECO contributes to the development of consulting services and market analysis, helping to define existing methodologies and best practices. They identify regulatory barriers and propose solutions to overcome sector-specific challenges, while developing structured consulting materials and procedures to support companies in obtaining and maintaining a Social License to Operate (SLO).

PASECO also actively engages in stakeholder mapping, designs communication and environmental/social monitoring tools, and provides strategic guidance to ensure that consulting services are tailored to cultural and social contexts, reflecting their ongoing mission to deliver sustainable, practical, and stakeholder-oriented solutions in complex project environments.

Aluminosilicates: Shaping Technology, Industry and Daily Life

Industry and science often remain invisible behind the everyday objects we use, many of which are made from minerals that rarely receive attention. However, they play a crucial role in modern technology and industry.

Minerals such as feldspar, kaolin, bentonite and zeolites are important examples of aluminosilicate materials widely used across different industries. Feldspar is a key raw material in glass production and is also used as an additive in aluminosilicate glass for smartphone screens, helping improve their strength and durability. Kaolin is essential in the production of ceramics and porcelain, where it mainly provides the whiteness, strength and heat resistance. Due to its strong adsorption and swelling properties, bentonite plays an important role in fuel processing to remove impurities and stabilize the product. Meanwhile, zeolites are valued for their porous structure, which allows them to capture and remove unwanted substances during water filtration.

The world’s largest aluminosilicates deposits are located in the United States, China, Russia, Guinea, Brazil, India and Australia. Significant reserves of various types of aluminosilicates can also be found across many European countries. However, their extraction currently takes place on a relatively small scale, leaving Europe dependant on import from other continents. This is a striking paradox, taking into account that Europe drives nearly one quarter of total global demand for aluminosilicates. Therefore, the activation and strengthening of the continent’s mining activities should be considered as priority and a matter of concern for key policymakers in this sector, while ensuring a clear Social Licence to Operate. Expansion of use of local resources must go hand in hand with strong environmental standards, while also respecting and engaging local communities, which is the aim of the RM SLO PLUS HUB project.

Advancing Circular Solutions: The RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB Project at Nova Alumina

In the path toward sustainable development and the advancement of industrial processes, collaboration between academia and industry has become a key driver of innovation. In this context, at the end of last year, representatives of the University of Banja Luka (UNIBL) organized a visit to Nova Alumina Ltd. factory in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the frame of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project.

Founded in 1978, Nova Alumina is one of the most important and largest industrial complexes in the Balkan region. While the factory initially focused on the production of alumina and pure aluminum, over the past decade it has expanded exponentially into the field of aluminosilicate chemistry, producing various types of aluminum hydrates, finely precipitated hydrates, more than ten types of zeolites, silica gel, and liquid water glass. Notably, Nova Alumina is the only modern factory in Europe producing soft aluminum, which positions it as a significant international manufacturer of aluminosilicate products on both the European and global markets.

In 2020, the University of Banja Luka established collaboration with Nova Alumina through the RIS RESTORE project, funded by the EIT RawMaterials initiative. The aim of the project was on valorization of solid waste generated during bauxite processing — red mud. This valorization is crucial because the factory has been continuously producing and storing large quantities of this material since its establishment. Within the project framework, Sunčica Sukur, a chemistry student at UNIBL, managed to successfully extract iron oxides from the red mud, resulting in a national patent.

Given that the red mud contains other valuable compounds, the collaboration between the University and the factory continues under the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project. Therefore, the recent factory visit was organized to hold a meeting with process engineers to discuss operational management and gather insights for ongoing research. During the visit, samples were also collected for further research on the material valorization, which will be carried out by UNIBL master’s student Nikolina Landeka, as part of her thesis. Such collaborations not only strengthen the bridge between academic knowledge and industrial practice but also pave the way for innovative solutions that transform industrial by-products into valuable resources.

By combining scientific expertise with practical industrial experience, projects like RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB demonstrate how sustainable development can be achieved through strategic partnerships, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

This field trip also included the visit to “Solana”, a factory with over 40 years of history, which is correlated to the successful salt mine in the City of Tuzla. With history of mining of over 3000 years, and the halite (NaCl) deposits potentially over 50 M tones, Tuzla might play a major role in future European sodium ion battery chain. This was the subject of discussion with the leadership and research experts. The base for further collaboration is established and services of the RM SLO Hub were offered to support the R&D of this important industry.

ISMC: A Strategic Partner Advancing Social Licence to Operate in Europe

In the context of Europe’s energy transition and strategic autonomy, securing critical raw materials requires more than geological potential and regulatory alignment. It requires trust. The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) recognises Social Licence to Operate (SLO) as a strategic asset for the sector and a decisive factor for long-term project viability.

ISMC is a national cross-sectoral ecosystem that brings together companies, regional stakeholders, research centres and public authorities across Spain. With strong roots in key mining regions, the cluster integrates the full raw materials value chain while fostering cooperation between industry, policy and society.

The mission of ISMC is to promote a sustainable and competitive mining model aligned with European priorities. Central to this mission is the integration of the social dimension from the earliest stages of project development. Through structured dialogue, territorial engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration, ISMC supports responsible raw materials projects that are both industrially robust and socially embedded.

Within the RM SLO PLUS Hub, ISMC contributes its ecosystem-based approach to embedding Social Licence to Operate across the value chain. Drawing on practical experience from Spanish regions, the cluster translates territorial knowledge into scalable frameworks and European-level cooperation.

At a time when Europe seeks greater autonomy in critical raw materials, Social Licence to Operate stands out as a new strategic mineral. Not extracted from the ground, but built through transparency, dialogue and shared value, it is essential to ensuring both supply security and social cohesion.

Through its mission, territorial strength and European engagement, ISMC reinforces this paradigm and acts as a key partner in advancing sustainable raw materials development.

Voices from Poland: Experiences and Perspectives shaping SLO

We spoke with three experts from Poland to explore how mining enterprises can work in harmony with local communities, highlighting the importance of education, dialogue, and transparency.

Their insights show that building trust relies on three pillars: institutional cooperation, community engagement, and transparent communication—a framework for successful mine-community relations.

Strengthening Cooperation Through Institutions

Universities, research institutes, and local governments play a key role in building trust and facilitating engagement. Universities provide knowledge and raise awareness, while local governments oversee planning and participation processes. NGOs and industry associations help bridge communication gaps and bring issues closer to residents.

“We often overlook municipal bodies, but they are the organizational units closest to communities—the ones that truly organize our living space.” — Property Valuation Expert

Education and Dialogue as the Foundation

Successful engagement starts with education. Explaining mining processes, risks, and safety dispels myths and builds understanding. Transparent communication—sharing non-sensitive plans and strategies—helps residents know what to expect and trust mining activities. Consultations, surveys, and meetings are effective only once the community is well-informed.

Example from practice:
In regions like the Legnica–Głogów Copper District, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. is not only a major employer but also a driver of regional development. The company supports education, finances infrastructure and community projects, and offers diverse employment opportunities—from geology and engineering to HR, legal, and public relations.

“Only when society is educated can meaningful dialogue take place.” — Mining Industry Expert

Practical Actions for the Near Future

In the short term, focus on information campaigns, tailored communication, and transparent planning. Projects should consider mine type, social expectations, and environmental impacts. Sharing operational and reclamation plans—even simplified or anonymized—helps communities anticipate changes and cooperate effectively.

“Information and communication are key. Transparency and proactive engagement build trust.” — Property Valuation Expert

Conclusion

By combining education, transparency, and strategic communication, mining enterprises and local communities can cultivate trust and sustainable development. The SLO+ Hub project strengthens these connections, ensuring mutual benefits and long-term collaboration.

“Collaboration is not just about operations, but about understanding, education, and mutual respect.” — Project Expert

You can watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.

Why Quality Control Matters in RM: Insights from Industry Experts

The construction industry is relying largely on mineral raw materials and therefore directly related to the fields of geology and mining engineering. At the same time, modern construction materials require the application of various additives and fillers, the production and use of which demands a solid knowledge of chemistry.

Our project partners, University of Banja Luka (UNIBL), have established a memorandum of understanding with the BP Institute, a leading institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of quality control of construction materials. This cooperation is of particular importance given that the topic of construction materials is closely integrated into the curricula of several study programmes at this University.

The BP Institute has previously supported the implementation of research within master’s and bachelor’s theses at UNIBL, particularly on topics related to geopolymers. As a continuation of this cooperation, the Director of the BP Institute, MSc in Chemical Technology Dragana Stević, delivered a workshop to support our RM-SLO-PLUS Hub project. She presented several modern, software-based techniques for data processing in the field of materials analysis. The focus of the workshop was on the ImageJ software, which provides highly reliable data on particle size distribution in micro- and nanomaterials, both in construction engineering and in other technological fields. The workshop was attended by master students and a few graduated students of UNIBL, already employed in the material industry.

RM SLO project, recognises the need for expanding the knowledge of young people as an important path for strengthening industrial knowledge base for future European material chain sustainability. The best way for this is exactly through the collaboration with established material industry experts.

Author: mitja@pmfbl.org