Ethical Engineering of Prospering Futures (EEPF26):
Strategies for Sustainable Raw Materials Development

September 8 – 10, 2026

Hosted by EURECA-PRO partner: Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF)

A secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is a key for economic stability, technological sovereignty, and ecological transformation. Without a reliable resource base, essential technologies such as electromobility, renewable energy, and digitalization cannot be realized. In light of geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, and increasing resource scarcity, local responsible raw material production has become more relevant than ever.

At the same time, raw material projects often encounter public opposition - ranging from environmental concerns to local resistance, and questions of social justice and participation. These challenges not only complicate project implementation but also undermine trust between industry, policymakers, and society. Public acceptance has thus become a decisive success factor for sustainable raw material strategies.

This conference brings together researchers, industry and public service representatives, and other stakeholders for an open dialogue. We will explore how responsible resource extraction can align with societal values and community expectations. The goal is to develop shared perspectives and evidence-based strategies for socially responsible and publicly accepted resource extraction.

EURECA-PRO faculty, researchers, and doctoral students, interested in Sustainable Mining and Processing or Circular Economy, are more than welcome to participate. The conference will cover several practical case studies of mining industry, scientific impulses and contributions from Human Rights experts, civil society, including indigenous communities, as well as legal regulatory authorities.

📍 Online or on-site at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany

👉 Part of the ProSlo project - Social License to Operate (SLO)

👉 Find more info and register at https://tu-freiberg.de/proslo-conference-2026

The EURECA-PRO project is co-funded by the European Union under the Grant Agreement No 101124439 "EURECA-PRO 2.0". Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.