Symposium: Transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Cleantech solutions are becoming more and more important in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In this, the extraction and recycling of critical metals is essential. But what with the image of the material industry? Is responsible mining in- and outside Europe a realistic dream?

In this one-day symposium, we dig deeper into the negative image of primary industries, looking for solutions together with experts. Can primary mining companies obtain and maintain a Social License to Operate? Or should we invest more in recycling industries and circular economies? Whichever way we go, a more fine-tuned connection between the energy transition and material transition seems crucial.

Introductions: Stef Denayer (i-Cleantech Vlaanderen) & Tie Roefs (Provincie Vlaams-Brabant)

Keynotes: Serge De Gheldere (Futureproofed), Leida Rijnhout (Friends of the Earth Europe) & Egbert Lox (Umicore)

Panel contributions: Bart Blanpain (KU Leuven), Katrien Rycken (Leuven 2030), Peter Standaert (EcoWerf), Stef Denayer (i-Cleantech Vlaanderen), Kostas Komnitsas (METGROW+), Karel Van Acker (EIT Raw Materials) & Marieke Meesters (Wageningen University)

Moderation: Dirk Draulans

Discover the full programme below, or via this link