The European project ROTATE (Circular Ecological Essential & Critical Raw Materials), funded under the Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement No. 101058651) by the European Commission and led by ANEFA, has published seven technical handbooks designed to enhance environmental leadership across the European extractive industry.
These publications provide a comprehensive framework addressing the main environmental challenges associated with the extraction of essential and critical raw materials. They offer practical methodologies, technical tools, and regulatory guidance aligned with EU environmental legislation and the objectives of the European Green Deal.
- Volume 1 – Energy Efficiency presents a dedicated methodology for conducting energy audits in mining and quarrying operations, based on ISO 50002 and UNE-EN 16247 standards, including renewable energy integration and energy performance improvement plans.
- Volume 2 – Resource Efficiency and Water Management provides technical and legal guidance on water management and deposit characterization, promoting closed-loop systems, process water recycling, and compliance with the Water Framework Directive.
- Volume 3 – Life Cycle Assessment introduces the theoretical framework of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), applied to aggregates through the industry-specific platform.
- Volume 4 – Air Emissions and Noise analyses the main sources of air pollutants and noise in quarries, presenting estimation methodologies and mitigation measures consistent with updated EU legislation.
- Volume 5 – Soil Quality Management develops a structured methodology for soil protection and restoration in mining environments, including the Soil Survey and Health Conservation Management Plan (SSHCMP) as a key management tool.
- Volume 6 – Solutions for Biodiversity Management, Rehabilitation & Visual Impact Reduction focuses on ecological restoration, biodiversity enhancement and landscape integration, promoting multifunctional approaches based on ecosystem services.
- Volume 7 – Human-Health & Ecosystem Risk Assessment establishes a comprehensive framework for assessing risks to human health and ecosystems linked to mining and quarrying activities. The handbook includes the toxicological characterization of substances commonly present at extractive sites. The volume also integrates the relevant EU environmental and health regulatory framework and proposes a low-cost environmental monitoring system to support adaptive risk management.
Together, these seven handbooks provide a technical roadmap to support the ecological transition of the European extractive sector, fostering sustainability, resilience, and improved social acceptance.
The documents are publicly available on the official ROTATE project website.
