On 4–5 December 2024, we took part in the kick-off meeting for REMHub, a joint project between 24 partners to strengthen Europe’s rare earth element (REE) and permanent magnet value chains. Hosted in Helsinki, the event brought together partners from six countries—Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, and Finland—for two days of collaboration to launch this ambitious four-year Horizon Europe initiative.
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The meeting began with a welcome from CLIC Innovation, the project’s coordinator, and an overview of REMHub’s vision to establish innovative technologies and tools to improve REE exploration, production, and recycling, while ensuring a resilient EU supply chain.
Europe currently relies on imports for over 90% of its REE needs, posing risks from geopolitical tensions to supply chain disruptions. REMHub aims to reduce this dependency by developing local REE sources, advancing recycling capabilities, and fostering innovations that promote a circular economy.
Sustainability is central to REMHub’s goals. Enhanced recycling and reuse as well as lifecycle assessments will minimise environmental impact while improving resource efficiency. REMHub will tackle these issues with various tools, which will enhance transparency across the value chain, aligning with the EU Green Deal.
Our Contribution to REMHub
Securing new REE deposits is essential for the green energy transition and the digitalisation of society. Predictions indicate REE demand will increase by three to seven times in the coming decades, driven by renewable energy and advanced technologies. Acting now is crucial to meet these targets and prevent future shortages.
We at Muon Solutions will play a key role at the start of the supply chain by applying our expertise in muon imaging technology. We will tailor this advanced method to detect REE deposits, and assess various potential sites in Finland. Our work will help identify new resources sustainably and efficiently, strengthening the project’s impact.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Collaboration was a key theme throughout the meeting. Partners exchanged ideas on tackling challenges like resource dependency, environmental sustainability, and supply chain transparency. Stakeholder engagement will play a vital role in shaping a sustainable REE ecosystem. Discussions also covered improving traceability and adopting digital tools like passports and twins for better lifecycle management.
The kickoff provided a chance to align our efforts, refine workflows, and establish a roadmap for the project’s early milestones. This solid foundation will enable REMHub to drive meaningful innovation across the entire REE value chain.
What’s Next?
As REMHub progresses, we will focus on creating a circular and resilient REE economy. The diverse strengths of our consortium partners, our muon imaging expertise included, will ensure the project is set to deliver transformative results for Europe’s REE capabilities.
For us at Muon Solutions, REMHub is yet another chance to help shape a more sustainable and self-sufficient Europe. We look forward to seeing our work contribute to real change in REE sourcing and the green transition.
Stay tuned as we work together to create a greener, more self-sufficient future for rare earth elements.
