We are pleased to invite you to join us for the Wake-Up Session of the ‘What’s Next MateriNex’ event.
Access to this event is exclusive and by invitation only. Upon confirmation, you will receive a unique QR code. Please ensure you have this QR code ready to present at the entrance for verification. Please RSVP by 20 May to confirm your attendance.
Programme
Future-Proof Flanders: Opportunities in Lithium Refining and Battery Recycling
- 9:30-10:00 Registration and welcome coffee
-
10:00-10:15 Welcome address and Introduction by Dr. Peter Tom Jones, KULeuven
-
10:15-11:15 Première screening of the documentary: Europe’s Lithium Paradox
-
11:15-12:00 Moderated panel discussion
Panellists:-
Geert Olbrechts, CTO & Executive Vice President Recycling, Umicore
-
Kira Van den Ende, Policy Expert and Spokeswoman, Bond Beter Leefmilieu
-
Kris Broos, Senior Expert Sustainable Materials, VITO
-
Yanaika Denoyelle, Climate Consultant Ortelius/Econopolis and co-author of Klimaatschok
-
-
12:00 - 13:00 Sandwich lunch
We look forward to your participation. If you wish to also attend the Afternoon Session of What’s Next MateriNex: Advancing Materials Science Research with Artificial Intelligence, please register for free using this link.
Europe’s Lithium Paradox
In an increasingly unpredictable and hostile global landscape, Europe stands on shaky ground, heavily dependent on foreign nations for critical mineral imports. One particular critical metal stands out: lithium, a key element for Europe’s transition to clean energy and mobility. Yet, in a twist of irony, Europe is home to abundant lithium reserves spread across the continent.
However, Europe currently struggles to convert these deposits into operational mines. The absence of operational lithium mines is further compounded by a lack of lithium refineries and industrial-scale Li-ion battery-recycling facilities. Europe’s Lithium Paradox explores how Europe could potentially mine, refine, and recycle lithium in the future, supplemented by strategies for managing lithium demand.
The film’s presenter, Dr. Peter Tom Jones (SIM² KU Leuven) visits key European lithium mining projects in Portugal and Serbia, trying to understand where the mining opposition comes from. The documentary also delves into lithium refining and Li-ion battery recycling, with visits to Metso’s spodumene-to-LiOH pilot plant and Umicore’s unique battery smelter industrial pilot. Are European companies truly leading the way in terms of ESG standards? Will the EU Critical Raw Materials Act become a gamechanger? Will Europe be able to unravel its lithium paradox? The future will reveal the answer.
Financial support: Horizon Europe, SIM² KU Leuven & crowdfunding
Duration: 55 minutes
Film crew: Director: Stijn Van Baarle (Storyrunner), Presenter: Peter Tom Jones (SIM² KU Leuven), Cameramen: Michael Van De Velde & Jochen Maes; Sound technicians: Casimir De Kimpe, Jeroen De Vriese.
Timing: Avant-première events are being planned in the period May-June 2025 in various European locations.