News – SLO Hub for the RM Sector

RM SLO PLUS HUB Webinar Series Continues Tomorrow

The second round of the RM SLO PLUS HUB Webinar Series will take place tomorrow, bringing together experts, researchers, students and stakeholders interested in the topic of Social License to Operate (SLO) in the raw materials sector.

The webinar series focuses on building trust, strengthening stakeholder engagement and promoting sustainable and responsible practices across the raw materials value chain. Participants will have the opportunity to explore both theoretical foundations and practical approaches related to SLO implementation, ESG challenges, communication strategies and practical case studies.

The programme will be held online on 26–27 May 2026, with sessions delivered by experts from partner institutions involved in the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project.

Registration is still open for all interested participants.

The webinar is organised within the framework of the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, supported by EIT RawMaterials and delivered by LUT University.

EIT RawMaterials Summit in Brussels

Within the stakeholder workshop “Critical Materials & Battery Value Chains”, organised by the EU project #Li4Life and co-organised by the European Lithium Institute (eLi) and our RM SLO PLUS HUB project partner, the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC), the SLO webinar was presented by Alicia García (ISMC).

Nearly 40 participants from industry and academia across Europe showed strong interest and engaged in valuable discussions around Social Licence to Operate (SLO) and sustainable practices within the raw materials sector.

Our webinar comes at the right moment, providing rich content on SLO and its applications across the entire raw materials value chain. If you have not registered yet, please do so here.

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Advancing Dialogue and Trust: SLO Conference Held in Katowice

On 12 May 2026, representatives of academia, industry, public administration and non-governmental organisations gathered in Katowice, Poland, for the conference “Social License to Operate”. An event was dedicated to strengthening dialogue, trust and cooperation between local communities and companies operating in the raw materials sector. The conference was organised within the framework of international activities carried out by Permia 1 Sp. z o.o., Grupa Altum and MEERI PAS, all actively engaged in promoting the concept of Social License to Operate (SLO). The event highlighted the growing importance of responsible communication, stakeholder engagement and long-term relationship building in the context of sustainable raw materials development.

A strong contribution to the conference programme came from project representatives Professor Joanna Kulczycka and Dr Olga Janikowska, who addressed key aspects of Social License to Operate (SLO) implementation, with a focus on education, communication, and socio-environmental conflicts. Professor Kulczycka (AGH University of Krakow) highlighted the role of education, promotion, and good practices in raising awareness of SLO among companies and local communities, emphasizing knowledge-sharing and transparent communication as key drivers of social acceptance. Dr Janikowska (MEERI PAS) presented “Between Development and Resistance: How Do Socio-Environmental Conflicts Affect SLO?”, examining how such conflicts shape stakeholder perceptions and relations, and how, when properly managed, they can improve transparency and dialogue with local communities.

Throughout the conference, speakers repeatedly emphasized that Social License to Operate is not a formal permit, but an ongoing social process based on trust, transparency and credibility. Participants discussed the need for early stakeholder engagement, responsible resource management and continuous dialogue with local communities, especially in sectors where industrial projects may have significant environmental and social impacts.

The event also provided an important platform for interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together different perspectives to address the future of responsible raw materials activities in Europe. The discussions confirmed that SLO is becoming an increasingly important element of sustainable development and energy transition strategies.

RM SLO PLUS HUB Webinar 2026 Successfully Held

The first RM SLO PLUS HUB Webinar 2026 successfully brought together researchers, industry representatives, project partners, and experts from across Europe for two days of discussion dedicated to Social License to Operate (SLO) in the raw materials sector. Through a series of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants explored key topics including SLO foundations, governance and ESG frameworks, stakeholder engagement, conflict dynamics, public consultation, and communication approaches for strengthening dialogue between industry and society.

The webinar created a collaborative space for exchanging perspectives and practical experiences, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary and international cooperation in addressing current challenges related to responsible and sustainable raw materials development. Contributions from partner institutions and experts across Europe further enriched the discussion and reflected the strong collaborative network behind the RM SLO PLUS HUB initiative.

The second round of RM SLO PLUS HUB Webinar will take place on 26–27 May 2026.

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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.