International Round Table on Materials Criticality Training Programme

• Forschungsstelle: SBFI
• Projektnummer: 23.00149

Abstract (Englisch)

For a transition to a low-carbon future, it is of crucial importance to have a secure material basis for the deployment of electromobility, renewable energy production, and related sectors. European demand for those critical materials, such as Rare Earth Elements (REE) for magnetic motors in electric vehicles, pumps and wind turbines, will substantially increase in the next years. A simultaneous trend happens in other countries with low-carbon commitments, such as the US and China. But dependencies in supply are high: 95% of European REE supply comes from China, and China produces 90% of REE magnets to date. In order to not impede European decarbonization goals and economic competitiveness, companies must be empowered to spot material risks in their supply chains and possess the tools to effectively mitigate them. In order to support this goal, IRTC-Training is developing certified training courses in material risk management that allow industry professionals to evaluate their companies’ specific risks, and to take actions to reduce those risks. In the IRTC-Training courses, they will also have the opportunity to connect and exchange with other companies concerned with material risks. The courses are offered in conjunction with a newly established international conference on material criticality. The conference brings the leading international experts in criticality together and will yearly address current topics of global relevance, creating visibility and helping the project and EIT RawMaterials to be at the forefront of global developments in the field.