Category: News

Social Licence to Operate (SLO) is becoming an increasingly important part of the day-to-day reality of raw materials projects. Understanding stakeholder perspectives, building meaningful engagement and navigating relationships between industry and local communities require not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience.

The PRO-SLO School was established to bring these challenges into education by combining academic learning, industry mentoring and work on real-world SLO case studies. Across its first two editions, participants from different countries and academic backgrounds had the opportunity to explore social and stakeholder challenges connected to mining operations in Vareš, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Kassandra Mines in Greece.

Following the successful delivery of these two editions, the PRO-SLO School is now entering its next stage. Future editions will expand participation to advanced Master’s students alongside PhD candidates, introducing SLO concepts and practices earlier in the education and development of future raw materials professionals.

The next PRO-SLO School is planned to begin in the Summer Semester 2027 and will be hosted by Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria. The programme will continue to combine academic learning with industry input and engagement with real-world SLO challenges.

This development also complements the work of the RM SLO Plus Hub. While the PRO-SLO School focuses on developing SLO knowledge and skills among the next generation entering the raw materials sector, the Hub provides opportunities to strengthen and exchange SLO knowledge and practice across the wider raw materials community.

Together, the two initiatives contribute to building SLO capacity across different stages of learning, professional development and practice, supporting a stronger understanding of stakeholder engagement and social aspects of the raw materials sector.

SLO Training Package for the European raw materials sector

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our online training series on the Social Licence to Operate (SLO) in the raw materials sector. Designed to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and community acceptance, the webinars brought together industry professionals, researchers, students, and public authority representatives from across Europe.

Day 1: Foundations, Governance, and Best Practices

The opening day established a clear understanding of SLO, its connection to ESG criteria, and its role across the raw materials life cycle. Discussions emphasized that SLO is built on perceptions, trust, and relationships rather than static permits, noting that initial interactions during exploration leave lasting impressions on long-term acceptance. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/ESIA) framework was highlighted as the primary regulatory bridge to SLO, with public consultation serving as a crucial stage for transparent dialogue. European case studies from Sweden, Spain, and Portugal demonstrated how administrative delays, jurisdictional overlap, and communication gaps can create legal uncertainty and halt projects.

Day 2: Practical Application, Toolkit, and Public Engagement

The second day shifted from theoretical frameworks to interactive exercises and concrete action plans. Participants engaged in a Stakeholder Action Sprint, stepping into the shoes of investors, local community members, public authorities, and NGOs. This allowed attendees to explore conflicting priorities, identify non-negotiable red lines, and prioritize trust-building actions during early project phases. A structured communication framework was also introduced via the SLO Communication Toolkit, emphasizing that effective communication must be two-way, human-centered, and proactive, as remaining silent allows external actors to define the narrative. Finally, the concluding plenary session examined how public consultations can evolve from passive “decide-announce-defend” exercises into collaborative platforms for co-design and long-term engagement.

A resounding takeaway from all speakers and attendees is that a Social Licence to Operate is not a one-time approval or a formal administrative box to tick; it is an ongoing, dynamic process of relationship-building that must be continuously earned and maintained. Further engagement activities will continue to strengthen collaboration and help shape a more resilient and socially accepted future for the sector.

As part of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, researchers from our partner institution, the University of Banja Luka (UNIBL), have contributed to research focused on the recycling and valorisation of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs).

We are pleased to share the publication of a new scientific paper:

“Ammonia-salt-assisted green hydrometallurgy for CuO nanosynthesis from waste PCBs”

The study explores a more sustainable approach to recovering copper from waste PCBs using ammonia-salt-assisted hydrometallurgy and its subsequent transformation into copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles.

One of the investigated PCB fractions achieved a copper extraction efficiency of approximately 99.8%, demonstrating the significant potential of waste PCBs as a source of this critical raw material (CRM) and other secondary resources. The research highlights how electronic waste can be transformed from an environmental challenge into a valuable resource for the production of advanced materials, supporting the principles of urban mining, circular economy and sustainable resource management.

We are especially proud of the contribution of young researchers from UNIBL, whose work contributes to advancing scientific knowledge, raising awareness of sustainable resource use, and supporting informed stakeholder dialogue and greater acceptance of sustainable practices and technologies – key aspects of Social License to Operate (SLO).

Read the publication: https://lnkd.in/dpVZrU7g

The upcoming edition of the RM SLO PLUS HUB Training Package will take place on 21–22 September 2026, bringing together experts, researchers, students, and stakeholders interested in Social License to Operate (SLO) within the raw materials sector.

The Training Package focuses on building trust, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and promoting sustainable, responsible practices across the raw materials value chain. Participants will have the opportunity to explore both fundamental concepts and practical applications, including regulatory and ESG context, stakeholder conflict dynamics, communication toolkits, and real-world European case studies.

The programme will be delivered online across two interactive days by multidisciplinary experts from partner institutions across Europe.

Registration is currently open for all interested participants.

The Training Package is organised within the framework of the RM SLO PLUS HUB project, supported by EIT RawMaterials and co-funded by the European Union.

The 13th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management (KOS 2026), held on the Greek island of Kos, once again brought together researchers, industry professionals, and decision-makers from Europe and the World to explore innovative approaches to sustainable waste treatment and circular economy practices.

Representing the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, Prof. Dr. Ljiljana Tankosić and chemistry master Nikolina Landeka participated in the conference by presenting their respective research focused on the valorization of tailings from mineral processing industries that have an immense economic significance for their country, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prof. Tankosić presented the latest findings of the study on the composition and iron-extraction potential of ancient Roman slag located near the Bosnia’s City of Prijedor. Deposited in massive quantities, this slag originates from the era when the Romans mined iron ore in the region. Today, this area remains home to one of the most significant mining points in the Balkans. Her presentation detailed how this historic waste could be successfully valorized as a secondary raw material.

Miss Nikolina Landeka presented the ongoing research on the valorization of red mud, a bauxite processing byproduct from the “Alumina” factory in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her presentation highlighted the innovative chemical treatment aimed at recovering valuable components from this industrial waste, thereby providing new sources of critical raw materials.

Through their active participation, Prof. Tankosić and Miss Landeka successfully demonstrated the core principles promoted by the RM SLO PLUS HUB project. They emphasized a crucial message that Europe must safeguard and sustain its materials and processing industries by implementing the highest environmental standards and circular economy principles.

While the core presentation and technical sessions ran from June 24th to 26th, the conference concluded on June 27th and 28th with an inspiring series of technical and cultural excursions. Participants had the opportunity to visit a local olive oil production facility and a traditional winery, offering direct insights into regional agricultural waste management and circular practices. The journey also included visits to the archaeological sites and field trip to the active volcanic island of Nisyros. These activities allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and unique geological heritage of Kos and Greece, all while fostering valuable international networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Registration is now open for the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB Training Package, a two-day online programme designed to strengthen knowledge and practical skills related to the Social License to Operate (SLO) in the European raw materials sector.

Building on the success of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB webinar series, this training package provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder engagement, ESG principles, and sustainable practices essential for responsible raw materials projects.

Training Details

Dates: 21–22 September 2026
Format: Online
Delivered by leading European experts and project partners

What You Will Learn

Participants will gain practical knowledge on:

• Social License to Operate (SLO) concepts and implementation
• Stakeholder engagement and effective communication strategies
• ESG principles and sustainability in the raw materials sector
• Best practice examples from across Europe
• Practical tools for responsible and sustainable project development

The programme is intended for students, researchers, industry professionals, public authorities, policymakers, NGOs, and all stakeholders interested in responsible raw materials management and sustainable development.

Register Now

Complete the registration form to reserve your place and join experts and professionals from across Europe in advancing knowledge and best practices on Social License to Operate.

👉 https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/d62c2edc-1d58-49a4-b1d6-890e81519edb?displayId=Fin3705242

Delivered by: LUT University
Supported by: EIT RawMaterials

Following the successful completion of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB webinar series, we are pleased to announce the upcoming RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB Training Package, which will take place on 21–22 September 2026.

The two-day training programme will bring together experts, researchers, industry representatives, policymakers and other stakeholders to further explore the concept of Social License to Operate (SLO) in the European raw materials sector.

Participants will have the opportunity to gain practical knowledge through expert-led sessions covering key topics such as stakeholder engagement, sustainability, community relations and responsible raw materials development. The programme is designed to encourage knowledge exchange and discussion, while providing participants with practical tools and insights that can be applied in real-world contexts.

The RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB Training Package is intended for students, researchers, industry professionals, public authorities and all stakeholders interested in strengthening their understanding of SLO principles and their implementation across the raw materials value chain.

Dates: 21–22 September 2026

Further information regarding the agenda, speakers and registration will be announced soon.

Stay tuned and save the date!

While we prepare for the next phase of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB training package, we are reflecting on the valuable knowledge and best practices shared throughout our webinar series.

One of the featured case studies was presented by our project partner Hellas Gold, showcasing the Kassandra Mines as an example of how transparency, continuous stakeholder engagement and long-term investment in local communities contribute to building and sustaining a Social License to Operate. Hellas Gold also brings this expertise to the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project through its contribution to the development of practical consulting services that will support companies and stakeholders in addressing SLO-related challenges.

We are pleased to see these principles reflected in practice through Hellas Gold’s recent media visit to the Skouries project. By welcoming journalists on site and encouraging open dialogue, the company provided first-hand insight into the project’s progress, environmental management practices, advanced technologies and its broader social and economic impact, while highlighting the strategic role of responsible copper production for Europe’s green and digital transitions.

Experiences like these demonstrate that transparency is not simply about sharing information, it is about creating opportunities for dialogue, strengthening trust and supporting informed discussions around responsible raw materials development.

At RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB, these are exactly the kinds of approaches we aim to strengthen through training, knowledge exchange, best practice sharing and practical guidance for the raw materials sector.

As part of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB Webinar Series, leading experts from academia and industry shared their perspectives on the key principles of the Social License to Operate (SLO) and its growing importance for the sustainable development of the raw materials sector.

One of these valuable contributions came from Professor Michael Tost, Professor for Sustainable Mining Technology at Montanuniversität Leoben, who highlighted a fundamental message that is increasingly shaping responsible mining projects worldwide:

“A legal license is no longer enough. Projects also need a social license to operate.”

Professor Tost emphasized that while regulations, permits and legal frameworks provide the formal basis for developing mining projects, long-term success depends on something equally important: the trust, acceptance and support of the communities that are directly or indirectly affected by these activities.

Unlike legal permits, a Social License to Operate cannot be granted by legislation or regulatory authorities. It is earned over time through transparency, meaningful dialogue, fairness, accountability and continuous stakeholder engagement. Building and maintaining trust requires an ongoing commitment to listening to communities, addressing concerns and creating shared value.

This perspective reflects one of the core principles promoted by the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project. Through its webinar series, training activities and practical consulting services, the project aims to strengthen knowledge and provide stakeholders with the tools and best practices needed to support responsible and socially accepted raw materials development across Europe.