The challenge is applicable to a wide area of the mining industry, ranging from environmentally friendly exploration, water management, safety and monitoring at mining sites, mine rehabilitation and biodiversity to traceability of raw materials.

Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply to the Eramet Responsible Mining Challenge 2021 from June 15 to September 15, 2021. The winning team will be awarded a collaboration contract with Eramet with a value of up to €50,000 (US$60,600), with potential extension to a long-term collaboration. Ten successful candidates will have the opportunity to be coached by Eramet and EIT RawMaterials experts to better match their solution to Eramet's specific issues. The winner will be chosen in early 2022.

Eramet, a global mining and metallurgical group, supports the energy transition by developing activities with high growth potential activities, including lithium and recycling. The company said that consumers, like its customers, are increasingly demanding low-carbon and responsible supply chains and that it is well positioned to meet this demand as corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the centre of its strategic model.

The latest edition of Eramet's Open Innovation challenge builds on six years of successful collaboration with EIT RawMaterials, which aims to provide efficient, competitive and responsible technology solutions for a sustainable supply of mineral resources for the European market. Eramet said it also illustrates its ambition to grow its network of partners and include more innovative start-ups and SMEs.

Marion Lenoir, head of the open innovation department at Eramet, said: "Eramet takes a 360° CSR approach integrating environment, climate, human rights, ethics and traceability of our products. Emerging technologies play a major role in advancing the mining industry, reducing the environmental impact of mining operations, as well as improving efficiency and reducing costs."