Call for tenders for a study on improving the sustainable supply of, and access to, raw materials along the entire value chain
The European Commission has published a call for tenders for a study on pilot plants, technological processes and techniques aimed at improving the sustainable supply of, and access to, raw materials along the entire value chain. The purpose of the proposed study is to support the European Commission in carrying out an analysis of potential pilot plants, technological processes and techniques which could demonstrably improve the availability of non-energy, non-agricultural raw materials. This study should also serve to demonstrate the potential contribution such pilot plants could make to improving the competitiveness of the European economy. It should cover the entire raw materials value chain including exploration, extraction, processing, substitution or respectively finding alternative solutions for these materials as well as recycling and land use planning. The following tasks are foreseen: - a mapping and matrix analysis of the state of play of technologies - including 'best available techniques' (BAT) - and leading edge technical developments; - identification of possible innovative plants and technical applications to be demonstrated; - an assessment of their economic feasibility but also desirability and added value. The study will provide technical guidance to the future work of the Commission in relation to its policies and organisational structures involved in innovation.To see the official call announcement, please consult: OJ No S 139 of 22 July 2011(opens in new window)