The general assembly opened with comprehensive presentations from all work package leaders, offering a panoramic view of the project's evolution. Partners shared not only their achievements but also the obstacles encountered, sparking dynamic discussions about potential solutions and alternative approaches.
Dedicated workshop sessions brought together partners from different work packages to harmonise methodologies and uncover connections among their research streams. These exchanges revealed opportunities for data sharing, which promise to strengthen the project's overall impact and efficiency.
One highlight of the assembly was an immersive visit to Imerys' Échassières site, home to the upcoming EMILI project. This integrated lithium extraction and conversion initiative represents a pivotal step toward European industrial sovereignty in battery production.
EMILI is designed to produce approximately 34,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually, enough to power 700,000 electric vehicles, directly addressing Europe's dependence on lithium imports. The project encompasses underground mining at the Beauvoir kaolin quarry site, concentration facilities, and conversion plants, all strategically located within the Allier region to minimise transportation impacts.
The RAWCLIC consortium toured the operational kaolin quarry, observing firsthand the extraction processes, before visiting the washing and leaching facilities where metals are separated.
The site visit provided valuable context for understanding the technical complexities and scale of modern mining operations. Imerys has positioned EMILI as a responsible mining project, incorporating several design choices to address environmental concerns: opting for underground rather than open-pit mining, utilising existing rail infrastructure to reduce truck transport, reforesting, implementing water conservation measures, and developing comprehensive tailings management systems. For those interested in learning more about how EMILI aims to reconcile energy transition goals with environmental responsibility, the project team has launched a comprehensive website: https://emili.imerys.com/presentation-du-projet-emili.
As the RAWCLIC general assembly closes, partners carry with them not only renewed momentum but also concrete plans for collaboration that will enhance the project's scientific rigor and real-world relevance.
