Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics

The RM SLO PLUS Hub is a transformative initiative addressing the growing societal and environmental challenges facing Europe's Raw Materials (RM) sector. With the critical importance of raw materials for Europe's digital and green transition, the Project seeks to bridge gaps between RM operations and societal expectations through education, consulting, and networking. The Hub focuses on fostering Social License to Operate (SLO) by equipping stakeholders - companies, academia, policy makers, communities, and NGOs with knowledge and tools to enhance transparency, trust, and responsible RM practices. It will create a centralised repository for SLO best practices, offer training programs tailored to diverse stakeholders across the RM life-cycle, and establish consulting services for effective stakeholder engagement and compliance. A proof-of-concept pilot course, engaging 150 participants, will showcase innovative pedagogical tools, focusing on EU legislation, ESG principles, and real-world case studies. The Hub integrates expertise from academia, industry, and research organisations across key EU and RIS regions, ensuring comprehensive geographical and sectoral coverage. Aligned with EIT RawMaterials' strategic goals, the Hub promotes sustainable RM supply chains, enhances social acceptance, and contributes to Europe's competitive advantage in RM management. By fostering stakeholder collaboration, it ensures a socially accepted, green, and sustainable future for the RM sector.

https://slohub.org/

Funding programme: EIT RawMaterials
Total Project Budget: 0.8 mio
Our budget: 0.29 mio
Our role: Scientific Partner, WP Leader (RIC Leoben)
Partner: 10
Duration: 17 months
Start Date: July 2025
Responsible: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Michael TOST
Contributors: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Michael TOST