Research & innovation for a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in the European Union
EU at PDAC
Through Horizon Europe, the EU is backing practical solutions across the entire raw materials value chain: from exploration and extraction to processing, recycling, and circular use. These projects support Europe’s strategic autonomy while driving technological excellence and environmental responsibility.
HaDEA will be present at PDAC 2026 (1–4 March 2026, Toronto). We invite industry, researchers, innovators, and policymakers to connect with us, explore funding opportunities, and discover how EU research and innovation can support your work in the raw materials sector.
Calls for proposals
Discover current and upcoming Horizon Europe calls for proposals according to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 that are supporting research and innovation in critical raw materials. These topics address key challenges such as exploration technologies, sustainable extraction, secondary raw materials, recycling, and advanced processing.
2026 Raw Materials topics:
Opening: 6 January 2026
Closing: 21 April 2026
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-11: Innovative technologies and tools for exploration and data modelling of raw materials (RIA)
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-12: Technologies for innovative extraction of critical raw materials (RIA)
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-13: Monitoring of secondary raw materials (CSA)
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-14: Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA)
2027 Raw Materials topics:
Opening: 22 September 2026
Closing: 2 February 2027
- HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-16: Technologies for innovative processing of raw materials (IA)
- HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-17: Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)
Practical information
Looking to participate in Horizon Europe or stay informed about upcoming activities?
Here you’ll find guidance on:
- Horizon Europe - How to participate in 5 steps
- Upcoming events (info days, webinars)
- Past recordings of events
- Horizon Dashboard (country and organisation profiles etc.)
- Horizon Results Platform
- Raw Materials Week
Policy background
EU funding for raw materials research is part of a broader strategic framework aimed at boosting industrial competitiveness, reducing dependencies, and supporting the green and digital transitions.
This section provides background on:
- Horizon Europe Pillar II - Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness
- Horizon Europe Cluster 4 (policy, strategy, work programmes)
- European Commission’s raw materials policy
- European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)
- Strategic projects under the CRMA
- Raw materials diplomacy - Partnerships on raw materials
- EU research & innovation to reduce dependencies on critical raw materials factsheet
Examples of EU-funded projects
See how EU-funded projects are already delivering impact across the raw materials value chain; from geoscience and exploration to processing, recycling, and circular solutions.
- CORDIS Results Packs on different areas of the raw materials value chain:
- An insight into successful raw materials projects - EU Horizon Technology Success Stories: volume 1, volume 2, volume 3 and volume 4. Check out the latest volume 5.
- Visit the CORDIS website (comprehensive information about EU research and innovation) for an overview of funded projects.
Projects at PDAC 2026
A selection of Horizon Europe projects will be showcased at PDAC 2026, demonstrating cutting-edge innovation in areas such as autonomous exploration, sustainable extraction, rare earths, lithium, and battery recycling.
- ROTATE – Circular Ecological Essential & Critical Raw Materials
- SCIMIN-CRM – Sustainable & CIrcular Production of MINeral Critical Raw Materials
- PERSEPHONE – Autonomous Exploration and Extraction of Deep Mineral Deposits
- MINOTAUR – Miniaturized Robotic Systems for Autonomous In-Situ Exploration
- REEPRODUCE – Dismantling and Recycling Rare Earth Elements from End-of-life Products
- SUPREEMO – SUstainable EuroPean Rare Earth Elements Value Chain
- REESilience – Resilient and Sustainable Critical Raw Materials Supply Chains
- MultiMiner – Earth Observation & Machine Learning for Mineral Exploration
- LITHOS – Cost-effective Processing & Refining of Lithium
- MINE.IO – A Holistic Digital Mine 4.0 Ecosystem
- BATRAW – Recycling of End-of-life Battery Packs for Domestic Raw Material Supply
Projects’ presentations will be added after PDAC 2026.
Opportunities for independent experts
Interested to work as an expert to evaluate project proposals and review funded projects? HaDEA regularly works with independent experts to evaluate project proposals and review funded projects in the raw materials domain.