The VERAM project aims to produce a Vision and Roadmap for European Raw Materials in 2050 based on raw materials research and innovation (R&I) coordination.

Two leading European Technology Platforms (ETPs): ETP SMR (Sustainable Minerals Resources) and FTP (Forest Technology Platform) joined forces to develop a common vision and roadmap with the support of ECTP (European Construction Technology Platform), represented by UNIVPM, SusChem(ETP for Sustainable Chemistry), represented by Cefic, and EuMaT (Advanced Materials ETP), represented by VITO.  This partnership provides VERAM with expertise from downstream applications and additional knowledge on secondary raw materials.

The VERAM project aimed to include all relevant aspects of non-food, non-energy raw materials related research and innovation. It challenges the current compartmentalisation into scientific disciplines and fragmentation into industry sectors to increase synergies and facilitate uptake of research results. It will continue to respect the individual visions of each stakeholder group in recognition of the specific contexts in which they operate.

VERAM will be able to advise the European Commission and Member States on future research needs and policies to stimulate innovation and assist in overcoming fragmentation in the implementing the EIP Raw Materials Strategic Implementation Plan. VERAM looks for mutually beneficial information exchange, encourages cross-fertilisation between actions undertaken by different raw material industries, and expects to accelerate exploitation of breakthrough innovations.

One of the main deliverables of the project is the presentation of a common long term 2050 Vision and Roadmap for relevant raw materials including metals, industrial minerals and aggregates and wood. The Vision and Roadmap have the objective of highlighting the path to achieving the European Commission’s ambitious target of 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.