LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES joins partnership with SRMI KNU, Rudomain LLC, Ukrainian Mining Company, and Metinvest Group enterprises

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LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES has agreed on a partnership with the Scientific Research Mining Institute of Kryvyi Rih National University (SRMI KNU), Rudomain LLC, the Ukrainian Mining Company, and enterprises of the Metinvest Group. The cooperation covers joint research into the processing and utilisation of mining and metallurgical complex waste – both within international Horizon Europe projects and under initiative-based research topics.

A scientific foundation with more than three decades of history

The partnership builds on SRMI KNU’s long-standing scientific work in the field of mining and metallurgical waste management. As far back as 1994, an institute team completed a thorough research project, “Study of Mining and Metallurgical Complex Waste and Development of Utilisation Methods”, which systematically assessed for the first time the volumes of waste generated by the Kryvbas ore-mining and processing plants, classified it by type of source material, and established the content of valuable components (gallium, nickel, chromium, boron, aluminium, zinc, cobalt, and others) in the sludge and slag of Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises.

For LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES, joining this cooperation is an opportunity to integrate a time-tested scientific approach into its own practical work on processing and utilising industrial waste across the region.

Areas of cooperation

Under the partnership, the parties have agreed to work together in the following areas:

  • studying tailings storage facilities and waste dumps as technogenic deposits with a view to the further recovery of iron, scandium, rare-earth elements, and other valuable components;
  • developing and trialling technologies for utilising metallurgical sludge and slag;
  • geophysical monitoring of rock-mass stability at active and decommissioned facilities of partner enterprises;
  • preparing joint applications for Horizon Europe calls and other international research-funding instruments in the field of the circular economy and responsible subsoil use;
  • deploying the results of SRMI KNU’s initiative-based research topics at partners’ production sites, including those of LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES.

Company comment

“Kryvbas has accumulated billions of tonnes of technogenic raw material in the tailings storage facilities and waste dumps of the mining and metallurgical complex. We are convinced that part of this material can, and should, be turned into an economically and environmentally justified resource. Combining SRMI KNU’s scientific potential with the practical experience of our company and industry partners – Rudomain, the Ukrainian Mining Company, and Metinvest enterprises – will help accelerate the deployment of waste-processing technologies and contribute to the circular economy and environmental recovery of the Kryvbas region,” said the management of LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES.

Outlook

The partnership opens the way for LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES to take part in joint research projects, in particular on recovering critical raw materials from Kryvbas’s technogenic deposits, developing low-waste technologies, and restoring territories disturbed by mining operations. The company regards this cooperation as a strategic step towards scaling up its own industrial-waste processing activities and taking part in international Horizon Europe projects.

LLC KRYVBAS ECOTECHNOLOGIES Participation in Horizon Europe International Consortiums PIC 872330604 | Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine

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Thanks to the highly effective work of Project Manager Dr Viktoriia Tkachuk, LLC Kryvbas Ecotechnologies (PIC 872330604) has become a full partner in two large-scale projects under the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-RIA) — the European Union’s most prestigious research and innovation programme. Set out below is a detailed description of each consortium and its participants.

Project 1: ROX-6G

Robotic eXploration with 6G for Critical Raw Materials

The consortium brings together 15 organisations from 9 countries developing next-generation robotic systems based on 6G wireless networks for the exploration and extraction of critical raw materials in underground and open-pit mining environments.

Consortium Members

🇩🇰  Aalborg Universitet (AAU)

Denmark  ·  PIC 999904034  ·  COORDINATOR

Denmark’s fifth-largest university by student numbers and one of Europe’s leading research centres in robotics and artificial intelligence. The Advanced Robotics & AI research group focuses on developing autonomous systems for operation in extreme environments. AAU serves as coordinator of the ROX-6G consortium.

🇵🇹  IST-ID (Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e o Desenvolvimento)

Portugal  ·  PIC 954983722  ·  PARTNER

Research arm of Instituto Superior Técnico — Portugal’s largest and most prestigious engineering school (founded 1911), part of the University of Lisbon. IST alumni include three Prime Ministers of Portugal and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Facilitates technology transfer across international research projects.

🇩🇪  AEGIS IT Research GmbH

Germany  ·  PIC 911867804  ·  PARTNER

A specialist IT research company contributing expertise in secure communication systems and next-generation IT architectures to the consortium, including 6G solutions for industrial application in the mining sector.

🇺🇦  Kryvyi Rih National University (KNU)

Ukraine  ·  PIC 967020452  ·  PARTNER

One of Ukraine’s leading technical universities, with research in mining, geophysics, and materials science. KNU encompasses the Scientific Research Mining Institute (SRMI) — officially designated by Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science as the leading organisation in advanced iron ore extraction technologies. Participating in both consortiums simultaneously.

🇸🇪  Luleå Tekniska Universitet (LTU)

Sweden  ·  PIC 999876874  ·  PARTNER

Sweden’s university of mining industry and home to the Swedish School of Mines. Research, education, and cutting-edge infrastructure are aligned across the entire value chain — from geological exploration to metal recycling. The Division of Mining and Geomechanical Engineering enjoys worldwide recognition and maintains an extensive international research network.

🇬🇷  SE&C Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia

Greece  ·  PIC 889335868  ·  PARTNER

A Greek engineering and consultancy firm specialising in technological solutions and geotechnical consultancy for the mining sector. Uniquely, it participates in both consortium programmes simultaneously — ROX-6G and NewMINE.

🇬🇷  Space Mobility P.C.

Greece  ·  PIC 870161102  ·  PARTNER

A Greek company developing advanced mobile robotic systems. Specialises in autonomous mobile platforms and robots for operation in complex operational environments — a core competency for underground robotic mineral exploration tasks.

🇺🇦  LLC Kryvbas Ecotechnologies

Ukraine  ·  PIC 872330604  ·  PARTNER

A Kryvyi Rih enterprise with over five years’ experience implementing environmental technologies in the mining industry. Developer of the DECARBUST technology — a humate reagent for dust suppression and neutralisation of harmful gases during mass blasting. The technology has been deployed at enterprises across the Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin and was showcased at the Paris Peace Forum 2025 among the 30 best projects from 328 selected across 80 countries.

🌐  TRYDENT

—  ·  PIC 872426731  ·  PARTNER

A consortium participant specialising in sensor systems, remote sensing technologies, or unmanned platforms applied in critical raw materials exploration operations.

🇷🇸  Terragold & co doo Belgrade

Serbia  ·  PIC 879260575  ·  PARTNER

A Serbian company in geological exploration and mineral extraction. Provides the consortium with a regional presence in the Balkans and practical experience working with Eastern European mineral resources.

🇫🇮  Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (VTT)

Finland  ·  PIC 932760440  ·  PARTNER

The largest research and technology company in Northern Europe, founded in 1942. Provides research and innovation services to industrial and public-sector clients worldwide. Uniquely participates in both ROX-6G and NewMINE consortiums simultaneously — underscoring its central role in the EU critical raw materials ecosystem.

🇬🇷  European Bauxites Single Member S.A.

Greece  ·  PIC 877753389  ·  PARTNER

A Greek mining company engaged in the extraction and processing of bauxite — a key source of aluminium and a strategic EU raw material. Represents the industrial perspective within the consortium and provides a real production site for testing robotic exploration technologies.

🇧🇪  Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)

Belgium  ·  PIC 999991334  ·  PARTNER

Belgium and the Netherlands’ largest university, founded in 1425. Ranked 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Recognised as Europe’s most innovative university four consecutive years running (Reuters, 2016–2019). Co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).

🇪🇺  EIT Raw Materials Regional Innovation Centre

EU  ·  PIC 878867337  ·  PARTNER

A key EU innovation actor founded in 2015, mandated to support Europe’s supply of critical raw materials. Building the world’s largest partner network in raw materials — over 300 organisations. Regional Innovation and Startup (RIS) Hubs reduce regional disparities in innovation development.

🇦🇱  Shërbimi Gjeologjik Shqiptar (Geological Survey of Albania)

Albania  ·  PIC 951811337  ·  PARTNER

Albania’s national geological survey, providing geological data and scientific expertise across the Balkan region. Broadens the geographic reach of the consortium’s pilot sites and provides access to the mineral resources of South-Eastern Europe.

Project 2: NewMINE

Novel and Sustainable Technologies for the Efficient Mining of Critical Raw Materials

The consortium brings together 21 organisations from 10 countries developing innovative, environmentally responsible technologies for more efficient extraction and processing of the critical materials required for Europe’s green and digital transition.

Consortium Members

🇩🇪  Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TU BAF)

Germany  ·  PIC 999583934  ·  COORDINATOR

The world’s oldest university of mining and metallurgy, founded in 1765. Ranked 17th globally and 3rd in Europe in the QS 2021 rankings for Mineral and Mining Engineering. Notable alumni include Alexander von Humboldt. Coordinator of the NewMINE consortium.

🇫🇮  Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (VTT)

Finland  ·  PIC 932760440  ·  PARTNER

Northern Europe’s leading research company with broad coverage of applied research in sustainable materials, digital technologies, and circular economy. The only organisation represented in both consortium programmes simultaneously.

🇫🇮  Geologian tutkimuskeskus (GTK) / Geological Survey of Finland

Finland  ·  PIC 999432614  ·  PARTNER

Europe’s leading competence centre for the assessment and sustainable use of geological resources, founded in 1885. Employs over 400 qualified experts. Hosts Europe’s only certified mineral processing pilot plant. An active participant in Horizon Europe projects relating to critical raw materials.

🇫🇮  Oinride Oy

Finland  ·  PIC 881891409  ·  PARTNER

A Finnish technology start-up in autonomous and remotely operated underground mining vehicles. Develops automated solutions to enhance personnel safety and operational efficiency at underground mining operations.

🇫🇮  NORMET OY

Finland  ·  PIC 894655930  ·  PARTNER

A leading international supplier of equipment and chemical solutions for underground mining and tunnelling. Offers a comprehensive range of solutions — from mining machinery and chemical support materials to digital operations systems. Present in over 50 markets worldwide.

🇪🇸  Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster

Spain / Portugal  ·  PIC 902077691  ·  PARTNER

A cluster organisation bringing together mining companies, service providers, and research institutions from the Iberian Peninsula to advance sustainable mining. Provides the consortium with a substantial industrial hub with access to the significant mineral resources of Iberia.

🇱🇻  Riga Technical University (RTU)

Latvia  ·  PIC 999920718  ·  PARTNER

The first technical university in the Baltic states and Latvia’s largest university (~15,000 students). An active Horizon Europe participant, working closely with leading industrial enterprises in the region and public authorities. Notable faculty include Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Wilhelm Ostwald.

🇺🇦  Kryvyi Rih National University (KNU)

Ukraine  ·  PIC 967020452  ·  PARTNER

Ukraine’s leading technical university specialising in mining science, geophysics, and materials science. KNU’s Scientific Research Mining Institute (SRMI) is Ukraine’s officially designated scientific leader in iron ore extraction. Participation in both consortium programmes confirms the university’s international standing.

🇬🇷  SE&C Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia

Greece  ·  PIC 889335868  ·  PARTNER

A Greek engineering and consultancy firm with recognised expertise in mining technology and geotechnics. Uniquely participates in both consortium programmes — ROX-6G and NewMINE — simultaneously.

🇪🇸  ECOCASTULUM SL

Spain  ·  PIC 888207370  ·  PARTNER

A Spanish company providing environmentally responsible solutions for the mining sector, specialising in land restoration, tailings management, and environmental monitoring at mining enterprises.

🇬🇷  ICCS / Research University Institute of Communication and Computer Systems

Greece  ·  PIC 999654356  ·  PARTNER

A research institute affiliated with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Specialises in communication and computer systems, IoT solutions, and automated control systems for industrial enterprises.

🇩🇪  GeoKompetenzzentrum Freiberg e.V. (GKZ)

Germany  ·  PIC 955850417  ·  PARTNER

The Freiberg Centre for Geocompetence — a knowledge transfer organisation linking the academic research of TU Bergakademie Freiberg with industrial partners. Facilitates the transfer of research results into industrial practice and coordinates regional value chains in the Saxon mining sector.

🇬🇷  ADMIRIS (Advanced Minerals and Recycling Industrial Solutions IKE)

Greece  ·  PIC 927557554  ·  PARTNER

A Greek company developing industrial solutions in primary mineral resources and recycling. Specialises in secondary material streams and closed-loop technologies in metallurgy and mineral processing.

🇬🇷  CORE Innovation Centre (CORE IC)

Greece  ·  PIC 891712756  ·  PARTNER

A Greek innovation centre supporting entrepreneurial initiatives and start-ups in the technology sector. Provides the consortium with competencies in technology commercialisation, market development, and entrepreneurial management.

🇦🇹  Montanuniversitaet Leoben

Austria  ·  PIC 999898117  ·  PARTNER

One of Austria’s oldest and most prestigious universities of mining and metallurgy, founded in 1840. Research spans the entire value chain — from raw material extraction to metallurgy, environmental technologies, and recycling. Ranked 21st globally in Metallurgical Engineering by the Shanghai Rankings 2023.

🇺🇦  PJSC Central Mining and Processing Plant (Central GOK)

Ukraine  ·  PIC 900846179  ·  PARTNER

One of Ukraine’s and Central Europe’s largest producers of iron ore products, part of the Metinvest group. Based in Kryvyi Rih. Central GOK’s participation in the NewMINE consortium provides the project with unique access to real production conditions and Kryvyi Rih deposits as pilot sites.

🇩🇪  SAXORE Bergbau GmbH

Germany  ·  PIC 928706810  ·  PARTNER

A Saxon mining company specialising in the revival of strategic metal extraction in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) — one of Europe’s oldest mining regions. Symbolises the resurgence of primary critical materials extraction within the EU.

🇪🇸  Energy Transition Minerals Spain SL

Spain  ·  PIC 880656793  ·  PARTNER

A Spanish company focused on the extraction of energy transition minerals — lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Provides the consortium with a sector perspective from the standpoint of the green economy and industrial decarbonisation.

🇰🇿  ULBI Metallurgyaltz Zauyty

Kazakhstan  ·  PIC 870076712  ·  PARTNER

A Kazakhstani metallurgical partner extending the consortium’s geography beyond the EU. Brings expertise in the extraction and primary processing of metals in the Central Asian region — strategically important for Europe’s supply of critical materials.

🇱🇺  LUXCHEMTECH GmbH

Luxembourg  ·  PIC 896137217  ·  PARTNER

A Luxembourg-based chemical technology company providing specialist chemical solutions for the mining industry and mineral processing, including reagents for flotation, hydrometallurgy, and water treatment.

🇺🇦  LLC Kryvbas Ecotechnologies

Ukraine  ·  PIC 872330604  ·  PARTNER

A Kryvyi Rih enterprise and developer of the DECARBUST technology and environmental solutions for the mining sector. Participation in NewMINE alongside PJSC Central GOK and KNU forms a powerful Kryvyi Rih cluster within the project. LLC Kryvbas Ecotechnologies is the only company from the Kryvyi Rih basin represented simultaneously in two parallel Horizon Europe consortiums.

The Significance of Our Participation

LLC Kryvbas Ecotechnologies’ simultaneous participation in two Horizon Europe consortiums is an exceptional achievement for companies of the region. Alongside partners such as KU Leuven (Belgium), TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), VTT (Finland), Luleå University of Technology (Sweden), and Montanuniversitaet Leoben (Austria), Kryvyi Rih’s environmental technologies have attained pan-European recognition.

Together with Kryvyi Rih National University and PJSC Central GOK, LLC Kryvbas Ecotechnologies forms a powerful Kryvyi Rih cluster within two key scientific and industrial partnerships under the Horizon Europe programme. This confirms that Kryvyi Rih is not merely Europe’s largest iron ore basin, but also a centre of advanced environmental innovation in the mining sector.