CRMsDataSpace

The „CRMs Data Space Project: Common European Data Space on Critical Raw Materials for the Green Deal: Recovery Potential from Closed Extractive Coal Waste Facilities“ addresses the urgent need to comply with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) by equipping National Authorities in Member States with a practical tool to assess and report on the recovery potential of critical raw materials (CRMs) in closed extractive coal waste facilities.

By focusing initially on closed extractive coal waste facilities, the project provides a showcase for evaluating CRM recovery potential through multiple options. This work contributes to the European Green Deal,by laying the foundation for a – currently non-existent –Common European Data Space on CRMs where data can be shared and made available in a trustworthy, interoperable, and secure environment.

Blick auf die Tailing Ponds der Grubenwasseraufbereitungsanlage in Hörstel (Ibbenbüren, Deutschland). Foto: Hernan Flores/FZN

The project operates to create a first data catalogue that leverages metadata and data management tools focused on CRMs, including characterising the different phenomena, attributes, relations, restrictions, controlled terms, multimedia, and general characteristics of the closed extractive waste facilities, and to ensure data exchange, integration, and analysis between CRM stakeholders by developing and deploying a data space platform aligned with the principles governing European data spaces, facilitating the creation of a Minimum Viable Data Space (MVDS).

The 36-month project is funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) and combines expertise from the fields of mining engineering, environmental technology, geochemical technology, artificial intelligence (AI) tools and geosciences. To this end, the FZN is collaborating with eight universities and companies from Poland, Spain, Belgium, and Rumania.

Project duration: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028