This event, co-organised by the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), RemTech Expo, the Geological Survey of Belgium, Geologica Belgica Luxemburga (GBLsp) and the Horizon Europe FIC-Fighters project, will bring together experts from policy, industry, and geoscience to explore how urban mining can support Europe’s transition to a more resilient and resource-efficient economy.
Geologists play a fundamental role in identifying, mapping, and assessing secondary raw material sources within urban environments. From construction and demolition waste to electronic waste and industrial by-products, the extraction and recovery of valuable materials from anthropogenic sources can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of resource exploitation. However, realising the full potential of urban mining requires coordinated action across multiple sectors, including innovative technologies, supportive policies, and financial incentives at the local, national, and EU levels.
This hybrid event will feature a high-level interactive roundtable discussion with representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), industry leaders, geoscience experts, and NGO representatives. Together, they will address key challenges and opportunities related to urban mining, including:
- The role of geologists in mapping and assessing secondary raw materials
- The latest technological advancements in material recovery and processing
- Policy instruments and financial incentives to support urban mining projects
- EU regulatory frameworks and future legislative developments
- Successful case studies showcasing urban mining initiatives in Europe
Participants will gain insights into how different stakeholders can collaborate to unlock the potential of urban mining and drive investment in secondary raw material recovery. The event will also highlight the importance of recognising geologists’ expertise in resource management and sustainability, reinforcing their role in shaping the circular economy.
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: Brussels (Institutional venue) & Online
Time: 10:30 – 12:00 CEST
Join us to explore how urban mining can transform waste into valuable resources and contribute to Europe’s sustainability goals!