How the NetHelix Project is making resource extraction greener and safer
Europe’s industries rely heavily on a stable supply of CRMs (Critical Raw Materials), which are essential for everything from smartphones to wind turbines. In 2020, the EU identified a list of 29 critical raw materials, including antimony, baryte, gallium, lithium, and vanadium. These materials are crucial for EU industries but are becoming increasingly scarce and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Traditional extraction methods, often reliant on manual labor and outdated practices, are no longer sufficient. The EU faces significant challenges: resource depletion, environmental harm, and the risks associated with unsafe working conditions. To address these issues, the EU has invested in innovative solutions that can improve the extraction process while minimizing environmental impact.
A digital revolution in mineral extraction
The NetHelix Project is tackling these challenges head-on with a suite of advanced technologies designed to revolutionize mining practices. Funded under the Digital, Industry and Space program and coordinated by SATWAYS, the project officially started on 1 January 2023 and will run until 30 June 2026. The European Commission signed the funding agreement on 29 November 2022.
With a total cost of €14,939,668.75, of which €11,145,398.63 is funded by the EU, NetHelix consists of a consortium of 24 partners, including research institutions and mining end-users to advance the mining industry.
Partners like SATWAYS, ASTRIAL, ALPES, ABAUT, SANDVIK, EMPHASIS DIGIWORLD, ABAUT, KGHM CUPRUM, and CYRIC contribute cutting-edge technologies ranging from safety solutions to digital innovation, while research insights from NTUA and ULM UNIVERSITY drive the project’s scientific base. Key end-users including OMYA, HELLAS GOLD, MYTILINEOS (DELFOI MINES), and DUNDEE PRECIOUS METALS provide practical insights, ensuring relevant and impactful outcomes.
Together, they address industry challenges, developing innovative and sustainable practices with implications far beyond mining, solidifying NetHelix’s role as a catalyst for transformation in the sector.
This collaborative approach ensures that NetHelix’s solutions are not only innovative but also practical and scalable. Pilot tests in real-world mining environments validate the effectiveness of these technologies, paving the way for widespread adoption.
The “Intelligent Digital Toolbox”
The “Intelligent Digital Toolbox” project is at the heart of this transformation. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the toolbox developed under the NetHelix Project can analyze vast amounts of data from mineral deposits and waste streams to identify patterns, predict the best extraction methods, and optimize resource use. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and real-time monitoring systems allow for continuous tracking of mining operations, ensuring safer working environments and more efficient processes.
The project also focuses on waste reduction and recycling. By leveraging advanced algorithms, the toolbox can help extract valuable minerals from waste deposits, reducing the need for fresh resources and lowering environmental pollution.
A Win-Win for industry and the environment
The NetHelix Project is not just about making extraction more efficient; it’s about creating a sustainable future. By reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact, the project aligns with EU goals of achieving a greener economy and promoting circular economy principles.
The project is still in its early stages, but the potential is immense. If successful, the toolbox could be rolled out across Europe and beyond, helping to unlock new resources, reduce environmental harm, and ensure a stable supply of critical raw materials for years to come.
In a world where resource scarcity and environmental concerns are as pressing as ever, the NetHelix Project offers a beacon of hope. By embracing innovation and leveraging the power of technology, the EU is taking decisive steps to secure a sustainable and prosperous future—one that relies not just on what we extract from the ground, but on how we extract it.
