Towards a more circular metals production system

The demand for metals is increasing, driven by developments such as renewable energy and electric mobility. At the same time, primary production alone cannot sustainably meet the growing demand for metallic materials.

SYMMET addressed this challenge by looking at the metals production ecosystem as a whole. The project explored ways to minimise the formation of waste materials and residues, make better use of secondary raw materials and develop new solutions for more sustainable metals production.

The project covered the metals value chain from the handling and processing of raw materials through metals production to recycling and the reuse of materials.

What was developed

The SYMMET project focused on four interconnected areas of the metals production ecosystem:

• More efficient use of raw materials
  • Exploring ways to improve the handling and processing of raw materials and to make more efficient use of resources in metals production.
• Sustainable metals production
  • Developing solutions to minimise waste and residue formation in metallurgical processes and improve the efficiency and sustainability of metals production.
• Recycling and reuse of materials
  • Exploring opportunities to increase the use of secondary raw materials and improve the recycling and reuse of materials within the metals production ecosystem.
• New business opportunities
  • Promoting research-based innovations and identifying new business opportunities arising from more circular metals production.

Research and innovation across the value chain

The project covered a broad range of topics related to the circular economy of metals, from low-technology-readiness-level research and experimentation to higher-technology-readiness-level implementation at metal-producing companies and SMEs.

This systemic approach enabled research and industrial partners to explore new solutions across different stages of the metals production value chain.

Collaboration across the metals production ecosystem

SYMMET brought together a broad consortium covering different parts of the metals production ecosystem, from metal producers and technology providers to SMEs and research organisations.

Industrial partners

Boliden Harjavalta Oy · Boliden Kokkola Oy · Outokumpu Stainless Oy · Outotec (Finland) Oy · Owatec Oy · SSAB Europe Oy · Tapojärvi Oy · Timegate Instruments Oy

Research organisations

Aalto University · Lappeenranta University of Technology · University of Oulu · VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Coordinated by CLIC Innovation

SYMMET Final Report

The final report presents the project’s research, activities and results and provides an overview of the SYMMET approach to more circular metals production.

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