The main goal of SUNSHINE is to develop and implement S&SbD strategies for products enabled by multi-component (advanced) nanomaterials (MCNM), including high aspect-ratio nanomaterials (HARNs). To this end, the project will generate essential knowledge, tools and data on the exposure, hazard and functionality characteristics of these materials, especially those arising from their unique properties and interactions (e.g. mixture effects due to the multi-component nature of the materials). To facilitate the uptake and utilisation of the S&SbD strategies by industry, especially SMEs, we will deliver them as part of a user-friendly e-infrastructure designed to: (1) facilitate collaboration and information exchange between actors along nanotechnology supply chains (developers, producers, downstream users) to promote the development and implementation of S&SbD strategies for MCNM-based materials, products and processes; (2) support SMEs and large industries in the selection and application of simple, robust and cost-effective experimental, modelling and grouping/read-across approaches to acquire/generate the data needed to test the effectiveness of the S&SbD strategies; (3) enable risk-benefit analysis of the S&SbD-modified materials and products at each stage of the innovation process to ensure that they are safe for the human health and the environment without compromising their technical and/or commercial probability of success The S&SbD strategies that are effective in reducing the risks from MCNMs, while retaining product performance and economic viability, will be proposed for full scale industrial implementation. In addition, the project will contribute to Regulatory Preparedness by providing recommendations on improvement and adaptation of the current regulatory hazard, exposure and risk assessment guidance (e.g. REACH, Biocides, Consumer Products, Food and Feed, Medical Technologies) and standard guidelines (OECD, ISO, CEN) for MCNMs.

Global Manganese-alloys (Mn) are highly linked to the steel sector for key engineering applications in Europe. In 2017, Mn-alloy production was approx. 4 Mio tons, required 12,200 GWh electrical energy and emitted around 14.2 Mio tons of CO2. Therefore, an energy intensive and inherent cross-sectorial value chain that is, nowadays, led by the Asian market demand. PREMA is an ambitious initiative that aims at demonstrating an innovative suite of technologies (involving heat recovery and solar technologic approaches) that allow to pre-treat Mn ores, utilising more efficiently energy and material streams and decreasing direct and indirect CO2 emissions (along with SO2 and NOx). LCA and LCCA methodologies will be implemented from early stages to ensure the technical, economic and environmental viability of the solution across the whole Mn-alloys’ value chain. The vision of PREMA is thus to make the Mn-alloys sector in Europe more flexible, sustainable and attractive. In order to cover the whole value chain, t

The INTMET approach represents a unique technological breakthrough to overcome the limitations related to difficult low grade and complex ores to achieve high efficient recovery of valuable metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag) and CRM (Co, In, Sb). Main objective of INTMET is applying on-site mine-to-metal hydroprocessing of the produced concentrates enhancing substantially raw materials efficiency thanks to increase Cu+Zn+Pb recovery over 60% vs. existing selective flotation. 3 innovative hydrometallurgical processes (atmospheric, pressure and bioleaching), and novel more effective metals extraction techniques (e.g. Cu/Zn-SX-EW, chloride media, MSA, etc) will be developed and tested at relevant environment aiming to maximise metal recovery yield and minimising energy consumption and environmental footprint. Additionally secondary materials like tailings and metallurgical wastes will be tested as well for metals recovery and sulphur valorisation. The technical, environmental and economic feasibility of the entire approaches will be evaluated to ensure a real business solution of the integrated INTMET process. INTMET will be economically viable thanks to diversification of products (Cu, Zn, Pb), high-profitable solution (producing commodities not concentrates), with lower operation and environmental costs (on-site hydroprocessing will avoid transport to smelters) and allowing mine-life extension developing a new business-model concept based on high efficient recovery of complex ores that will ensure EU mining industry competitiveness and employment. INTMET is fully aligned with EIP-RM validated in the PolymetOre Commitment where most of INTMET partners take part on and the market up-take solutions are guaranteed by an exploitation from industrially-driven consortia composed by 3 Mines, 2 SMEs (AGQ -waste&water tech provider; MINPOL -policy & exploitation expert), 2 tech providers (OUTOTEC and TR) and 5 complementary RTD´s with expertise in leaching and recovery metals processing

Decarbonization of processes, scarcity of raw materials and Europe independence on key resources, valorisation of industrial waste are all key and strong challenges the EU metallurgy industry is facing and will have to deal with in the next decades to remain sustainable while keeping its economic competitiveness. This is particularly true for the manganese (Mn) & Mn ferroalloys industries. HAlMan represents a game changer in the metallurgical industry in view of developing sustainable processes with low carbon footprint, low energy consumption, no solid waste generation, valorisation of secondary raw materials from mining and metallurgical industry. HAlMan will demonstrate at TRL 7 an integrated process to produce Mn metal and Mn alloys from Mn ores and Mn-containing waste by using hydrogen and secondary aluminum (Al) sources as reductants. As metallurgical processes have large share in CO2 emission, decarbonization in metallurgical industry is essential to operate metal production in Europe. The benefits of the HAlMan innovative process will go beyond Mn and Mn Ferroalloys industries, and it presents a unique intersectoral approach in circular economy where: • Al-containing dross/scrap, and waste from ferromanganese industry are valorised to produce directly new Al-Mn master alloys for Al and Steel industries • metallurgical grade alumina (the feedstock for Al production, produced almost exclusively from Bauxite which is a CRM for EU) is produced via a zero-carbon footprint process • the extraction of critical raw materials, including REEs, from the alumina production process by-products will be demonstrated • the production of manganese oxide and cell fabrication for lithium-ion battery applications will be demonstrated. Additionally, HAlMan project studies heat and hydrogen recovery from process gas to improve process economy and yield. Significant activities on Life cycle assessment, Business development, dissemination and communication will be carried.

Urbanization is on the rise in Africa and this trend is expected to continue in the future. The fast growing use of technology is creating a rising e-waste stream, for which there is limited recycling capacity. Waste management infrastructures and public awareness of the health issues is largely non-existent. Basic environmental precautions are almost absent and health and safety regulations are loosely enforced. Improvements are therefore urgently needed to combat related health issues, alleviate poverty and develop the local recycling sector. EWIT project’s aim is to address these challenges, assisting African municipalities in the implementation of effective e-waste management systems for their communities. The project will develop a comprehensive mapping of the baseline data of African metropolitan areas related to e-waste management, analyzing the most relevant experiences, processes and legal tools available. It will then deliver a dynamic and easy to use information and service portal to offer guidance and practical support for the design and development of e-waste collection and recycling systems. EWIT will generate the expected impacts through 5 coordinated work packages. The working model is based on two different set of workshops, one led by “Cities” and the other by “Experts”. Tools, implementation models, policies and procedures will feed a dedicated information and service platform called “E-waste implementation toolkit”. This dynamic and easy to use internet portal will be a strategic source of knowledge for decision makers at industry and local government level. Dissemination will play a key role to assure that the project’s deliverables are well understood and ready to be applied. EWIT will define the conditions and actions necessary to implement effective waste recycling systems in metropolitan areas, increasing recycling opportunities for entrepreneurs, generating new jobs and improving environment and health protection of local communities.