The European Commission continues to advance towards a more secure, sustainable, and competitive supply of essential and critical raw materials by supporting research and innovation projects under the Horizon Europe programme. Within this framework, the ROTATE (project plays a central role in promoting circular and environmentally responsible management models for strategic raw materials across Europe.
Funded by the European Commission, ROTATE (Circular Ecological Essential & Critical Raw Materials) focuses on improving the sustainability and circularity of essential and critical raw materials throughout their entire lifecycle, from extraction and processing to reuse and recycling. The project aims to develop and demonstrate innovative approaches that reduce environmental impacts while strengthening the security of supply for materials that are vital to Europe's green and digital transitions.
ROTATE addresses key challenges related to resource efficiency, circular economy implementation, and ecological performance in the raw materials sector. By integrating advanced research, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, the project contributes to more efficient material flows and supports the transition towards sustainable industrial models.
At international events such as PDAC 2026, ANEFA, as coordinator of the ROTATE project, highlights the importance of coordinated European action to ensure the long-term availability of essential and critical raw materials. ROTATE showcases how research-driven solutions and collaboration between industry, research organisations and public authorities can help build a more resilient and environmentally responsible raw materials value chain.
In addition to ROTATE, ANEFA, also coordinates other Horizon Europe projects addressing complementary aspects of sustainability and circularity in the raw materials sector, such as SCIMIN-CRM. Together, these initiatives underline the strategic role of sectoral organisations in bridging policy objectives, industrial needs, and technological innovation.
Through the ROTATEproject, the European Commission and its partners are taking concrete steps towards a circular, low-impact and resilient raw materials ecosystem, fully aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal, strategic autonomy and long-term industrial competitiveness.
