This online training course will take place on 21 and 22 September, with ISMC participating as a project partner, to provide practical tools aimed at strengthening the Social Licence to Operate within the European raw materials sector.

The transition towards a more sustainable economy requires not only technological innovation, but also a strong, transparent and trust-based relationship between companies, communities and all stakeholders involved.

In this context, the Social Licence to Operate (SLO) has become a fundamental element in the responsible development of projects related to the raw materials sector, facilitating dialogue, participation and collaboration among the various stakeholders.

The RMSLOPLUSHUB project is organising a specialised training programme designed to provide practical knowledge, tools and methodologies to enable participants to understand, develop and maintain a Social Licence to Operate within the European context.

The training is aimed at professionals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of stakeholder engagement, sustainability, governance and strategic communication.

A training programme to strengthen the Social Licence to Operate in the raw materials sector

The programme will be delivered over two sessions, combining conceptual foundations with practical tools applicable in professional settings.

Day 1 – Fundamentals

Time: 10:00–12:00

The first session will focus on the essential concepts required to understand the role of the Social Licence to Operate throughout the raw materials life cycle.

The main topics covered will include:

• Introduction to the Social Licence to Operate (SLO) and the raw materials life cycle.
• Governance, regulation and the current realities relating to ESG criteria.
• Stakeholder identification and understanding conflict dynamics.
• Case studies providing insights into experiences and best practices applied in different contexts.

Day 2 – Practical Application and Professional Practice

Time: 10:00–12:10

The second session will focus on the practical application of the knowledge acquired, providing participants with tools to effectively manage relationships with stakeholders.

The topics covered will include:

• Stakeholder engagement and participation.
• Practical SLO tools: stakeholder mapping, communication strategies and action planning.
• Plenary session: Building trust through public consultation.

Training delivered by leading European experts

The training will feature contributions from leading European institutions and experts in the fields of raw materials, sustainability and stakeholder engagement: NTUA, MUL, MEERI, UPM, UNIBL, PASECO, ANEFA, ISMC, LUT and HellasGold.

Their expertise will provide a multidisciplinary perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with building trusted relationships in projects linked to the raw materials sector.

ISMC’s contribution to the RMSLOPLUSHUB project

As a project partner, ISMC actively promotes responsible and sustainable practices within the European raw materials sector. Through its expertise in research, innovation and collaboration across the different actors within the ecosystem, ISMC contributes to the development of tools and approaches that support effective communication, stakeholder participation and the establishment of trusted relationships between industry, communities and other stakeholders.

This involvement reinforces ISMC’s commitment to promoting development models that are more transparent, inclusive and aligned with the principles of sustainability.

Who is this training for?

The training is intended for:

• Professionals working in the raw materials and mining sectors.
• Researchers and technical staff.
• Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
• Policymakers and public authorities.
• Anyone interested in sustainability, public participation and the responsible management of raw materials projects.

Students will be eligible for special registration conditions.

Registration now open

Interested participants can now register to attend either one or both sessions of the programme.

The course will be delivered entirely online and, once the registration process has been completed, participants will receive all the information required to confirm their participation.

Training details

Dates: 21 and 22 September 2026

Format: Online

Organised by: RM SLO PLUS HUB Project

Delivered by: LUT University

Supported by: EIT RawMaterials

👉 Registration: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/d62c2edc-1d58-49a4-b1d6-890e

Strengthening the sustainable future of raw materials in Europe

Building a strong Social Licence to Operate requires dialogue, transparency and continuous collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

Through this training programme, participants will be equipped with practical tools to address the current challenges facing the sector and to support the transition towards more responsible, sustainable and inclusive models for raw materials development.