RESQTOOL

Context

RESQTOOL is a Horizon Europe project that aims to offer a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for recycling and responsible supply of Critical Raw Materials (Co, W, Ta, Ti, Nb) from EoL (End Of Life) products in metal/wood fabrication, construction and manufacturing industries by lowering the carbon footprint of Zinc Reclaim process and developing advanced hydro- and solvo-metallurgical chemical recycling solutions.

Idea

Hard Metals (HM) combine toughness and hardness through materials like Tungsten Carbide and Cobalt. These composites are vital across tool manufacturing, mining, and more, balancing durability with functionality. With HM’s broad utility, from medical tools to industrial machinery, their role is indispensable in sectors requiring precision and resilience.

However, the HM industry faces challenges with critical raw materials (CRM) like Tungsten and Cobalt due to scarcity, ethical concerns, and price volatility. European production and recycling efforts underscore the economic significance and environmental imperatives of HMs, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and efficient recycling to mitigate supply risks and promote a circular economy.

The RESQTOOL project targets innovative recycling techniques, emphasising Zinc Reclaim and Chemical Recycling, to enhance CRM (Critical Raw Material) recovery and reduce environmental impact. By improving recycling processes, RESQTOOL aims to ensure sustainable CRM supply, aligning with EU climate neutrality goals. This effort represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable, responsible, and efficient use of resources in the HM industry.

IMR’s role in this project is to evaluate the environmental impact of the value chain of CRM recovered through the processes developed and/or refined in the project, and to determine the life cycle cost of these processes. The impact indicators will be compared with the calculated impacts of baseline scenarios that represent the predominant sources for these metals. The comparative LCA and LCC will allow to understand the net environmental benefit of the methods explored in the project.

Project Key Figures

• Total budget: 8,800,000 €
• EU Funding: HORIZON EUROPE
• Duration: 4 years
• Partners: 12 partners and 1 associated partner; 10 European countries.

Project Partners