ISMC participates in the European RESiLEX workshop on critical raw materials, photovoltaics and batteries in Brussels
On 19 May, the National Cluster for Sustainable Mining of the Iberian Peninsula (ISMC) took part in the international workshop “Blueprint for Sovereignty? Critical Raw Materials, PV and batteries: opportunities for the EU”, held at COMET Meetings Louise in Brussels, as part of the European RESiLEX project.
The event brought together representatives from industry, research centres, associations, and European stakeholders with the aim of discussing the strategic role of critical raw materials (CRM), circularity, and the development of resilient value chains for Europe’s photovoltaic and battery sectors.
During the session, ISMC was represented by Laura Quijano, PhD, Technical Project Coordinator, who opened the event with the welcome address. Jorge Lombán Somacarrera, Project Manager, also actively participated in one of the round tables focused on the recovery of critical raw materials in the mining sector.


A European forum for debate on critical raw materials
The workshop was structured into thematic sessions addressing some of the main challenges and opportunities within European value chains:
- Recovery of critical raw materials from mining waste
- Ecodesign and recycling of photovoltaic panels
- New material streams for batteries and their supply
- Innovative applications of recovered materials in energy storage technologies
These topics highlighted the need to move towards more circular, efficient and sustainable industrial models, while strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in the field of raw materials.

Leading experts in the European ecosystem
The programme featured key experts and organisations from across Europe, including:
- Lidia Fernández Rojo (Cetaqua – Water Technology Centre)
- Christina Maria Huber (SolarPower Europe)
- Marie Nicolle (Groupe Comet)
- Timea Bejat (CEA)
- Elina Bosch (Becquerel Institute)
- Hamid Oubaha (Université de Liège)
- Kaisa Toroskainen (Global Battery Alliance)
- Rafael Castillo Barrero (CTA – Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía)
he diversity of profiles contributed to enriching the discussion with complementary perspectives from research, industry, and European organisations.
Collaboration for more resilient value chains
Throughout the event, participants exchanged experiences and approaches aimed at fostering more sustainable, resilient and circular value chains in Europe, particularly in strategic sectors such as photovoltaics and batteries.
The workshop also provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between European projects, companies, and research centres, fostering the emergence of new synergies around the management and recovery of critical raw materials.

ISMC’s commitment to industrial sustainability
The participation of the National Cluster for Sustainable Mining of the Iberian Peninsula (ISMC) in this international workshop reinforces its commitment to developing innovative solutions for the sustainable management of critical raw materials and promoting more transparent, resilient and circular value chains in Europe.
Through its involvement in European projects such as RESiLEX, ISMC continues to actively contribute to advancing the transition towards a more sustainable industry aligned with the European Union’s strategic objectives.


