During the first 18 months of the project, the following main results have been achieved.
A mapping of stakeholders in the field of raw materials, digital passport and due diligence for raw materials was established. A gap and needs analysis was conducted, together with a literature review and SWOT analysis of the current standards and certification methods in the field of raw materials/mining sector. This work identifies the place for a material traceability system in Europe.
In the field of material fingerprint, several main results were obtained. First, existing artificial taggers and 3D printing technologies and current requirements of the Mining & Mineral industry were reviewed. Material fingerprint methodology for lithium, cobalt, natural graphite and neodymium are being developed. The 4 commodities of the projet are being assessed with samples coming across the world. The work, in progress, is developing at same time a fingerprint database and analytical method.
In the field of digital traceability, the benchmark of different battery passport systems was conducted and the required fields in battery passport by Maditrace were identified. Criteria were selected and preliminary requirements defined for decentralised traceability, including supply chain mapping. The process of data modelling also started.
To develop the components of the certification system CERA4in1, a review of current literature and standards was conducted together with a gap analysis. The checklist of criteria for a Readiness Standard for Exploration was performed and achieved during this period.
The project also participated in workshops, scientific conferences, and seminars and a first scientific article was published. Several large public videos have been produced and a webinar was held. Finally, the integration of a traceability system as a new industrial sector and its integration in regional industrial strategies was assessed.
