queenproject

A sustainable project to produce MG-Si from quarry sands. An European Project participated by 14 partners from eight countries.

[Enric Juliana Ricart @EnricJuliana]

1- ‘Maiorca’, novedad editorial.
El periodista y escritor Giovanni Dozzini explica cómo
operó el cuerpo aéreo que Mussolini envió a Mallorca para martillear la España mediterránea, con especial furia Barcelona y su área industrial.
Un episodio incómodo para la Italia de hoy 👇

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵For @queenprojecteu , these innovations are crucial. The project explores how quarry quartz sand — often underexploited — can be upgraded to produce near-zero CO₂ metallurgical-grade #silicon in Europe.
A key objective: develop technologies that increase quartz content in sand until silica suitable for MG-Si production can be isolated.
By identifying the best available processing technologies for #sand and other essential raw materials, the @queenprojecteu aims to strengthen the beginning of the silicon value chain in Europe.
Innovation in aggregates processing today can help enable sustainable silicon production tomorrow.
#EUInnovation #Metallurgy #EnergyTransition #Silicon #CriticalRawMaterials
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

The #QUEENproject, through Gremi d’Àrids de Catalunya, is closely following innovations showcased at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas — one of the largest construction and aggregates trade fairs in the world, gathering thousands of companies and industry experts every three years.
A key global meeting point for the future of the aggregates sector.
At the event, it was great to see the impressive international presence of Weir Minerals, a global partner in the European Commission Horizon #QUEENproject.
Events like CONEXPO showcase the latest technologies in crushing, screening, processing and quarry equipment, driving efficiency and sustainability in aggregates production.
#MiningTech #Innovation #Aggregates #Mining #RawMaterials
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵 #TheCroatianFoundryAssociation promotes:
✔ technological innovation
✔ safer working conditions in foundries
✔ environmentally friendly production
✔ use of secondary raw materials
Events like the Scientific‑Expert Seminar 2025 combine technical presentations and #industry talks, strengthening collaboration between researchers and companies.
Together, they help ensure #metallurgy remains a key driver of industrial development in Croatia and Europe.
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects #CircularEconomy
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

On 4–5 March, Kremen d.o.o., partner of the #QUEENproject, took part in the Scientific‑Expert Seminar 2025 organised by the Croatian Foundry Association. The event brings together experts to discuss innovations and challenges in the #foundry sector.
During the seminar, Kremen presented the European #QUEENproject, which aims to obtain #metallurgical #silicon from quartz sand, contributing to more sustainable and resilient raw material supply chains in Europe.
A key step for the future of the metallurgical industry.
🧵
#CriticalRawMaterials #Silicon #EUInnovation #mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

💚Today is World Energy Efficiency Day. reminds us that we need to raise awareness of the importance of reducing energy consumption and using resources more intelligently. @queenprojecteu joins in!
QUEEN shows how quarry quartz sands, a largely underexploited resource, can be upgraded to enable near-zero CO₂ metallurgical-grade silicon production in Europe, strengthening strategic autonomy while supporting the green and digital transitions.

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

👥 Employment and Companies in Aggregates in Europe
In the EU mining and #quarrying sector, around 371,000 people were directly employed in 2022.
Including indirect and induced jobs (supply chain, services, etc.), total employment effects are significantly higher — on average each direct #mining job supports about 2.3 additional jobs in the wider economy.
According to industry databases, there are around 64,000 companies operating in mining across Europe. This represents roughly 0.13% of all European registered companies. These firms collectively account for about 0.7% of total #employment and about 1.34% of all business sales in Europe.

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

More about Aggregates: Aggregates are key to:
• Concrete (1 m³ needs 1.8–1.9 tonnes)
• Mortar (1 m³ contains 1.3 tonnes)
• Rail ballast (10,000 tonnes per km)
• Highways (30,000 tonnes per km)
A single house requires 100–300 tonnes.
Each person consumes ~850 tonnes in a lifetime.
Critical for industry
Aggregates and mineral raw materials are used in:
• Glass (1 tonne needs 700 kg of high-purity sand)
• Cement and lime
• Steel production
• Ceramics and electronics
• Water filtration
• Paper (300 kg mineral load per tonne)
• Paints, detergents and chemicals
They are everywhere — from food production to energy generation.
#RawMaterials #IndustrialMinerals #Manufacturing
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🪨 Mining Production and Output in Europe
Europe (including the EU) accounts for around 6% of global mineral production. This makes it the fourth largest mineral producing region in the world. In 2021, total mineral #production across Europe was approximately 1,200 million tonnes (1.2 billion tonnes).

💰 Economic Impact (EU) In the European Union, the mining and #quarrying sector (NACE B) generated around €173.6 billion in net turnover in 2022. Value added by the sector reached €64.1 billion in 2022, equivalent to 0.6% of the rest of the business #economy.
Turnover increased strongly from 2021 to 2022 due in part to rising commodity prices, but preliminary data for 2023 shows a normalization.
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

Do you know the importance of the Aggregates? Aggregates are granular materials (sand, gravel, crushed rock) used in construction and industry. Without aggregates, there would be no homes, roads, railways or hospitals.
How are aggregates produced? They are extracted from quarries and gravel pits through mechanical excavation or controlled blasting, then crushed, screened and sometimes washed to meet strict quality standards. CE marking is legally required, ensuring safety, traceability and compliance.
#Quality #CEmarking #Industry #mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

The European Commission has approved the first 47 strategic projects within the EU under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), marking an important milestone in strengthening Europe’s raw materials resilience. Many of these projects have been supported by EIT RawMaterials, reflecting our role in moving the CRMA from legislative ambition to practical delivery. The Strategic Projects backed by EIT RawMaterials https://t.co/g4qrQGQNGV #mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup |
@NTNU | @arenesbellpuig |@ChangeoverLtd

[ROTATE_PROJECT @RotateProject]

🇪🇺 👷‍♀️ We have just published 7 technical handbooks designed to enhance environmental leadership across the European extractive industry!

Check them out on our website!

@EU_HaDEA @EU_Commission @ANEFAridos @HorizonEU

https://t.co/tzW8HLk2kg

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

The @queenprojecteu is heading to construction trade show (Mar 3–7, 2026) in Las Vegas 🇺🇸
The Gremi d'Àrids de Catalunya will present QUEEN while scouting U.S. innovations transforming sand & aggregates operations.
At @conexpoconagg -CON/AGG 2026 (Mar 3–7), the QUEEN Project will track advances across the aggregates value chain — from extraction & processing to markets & communication.
Led by the Gremi d'Àrids de Catalunya 🤝 strengthening transatlantic collaboration.
#Construction #Sustainability #IndustryInnovation #QUEENproject #CONEXPOCONAGG #Aggregates #Innovation #RawMaterials #mining #sustainability
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

The @queenprojecteu will be showcased at SME Annual Conference & Expo (MINEXCHANGE) (Feb 22–25, 2026) in Salt Lake City.
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya & @weirgroup will present the project and connect with global mining leaders.
At SME MINEXCHANGE 2026, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and Weir Group will showcase the QUEEN Project, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the global mining community.
#MiningInnovation #EnergyTransition #QUEENproject #MINEXCHANGE2026 #Mining #CriticalRawMaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

Shape Europe’s next generation of mining and processing technologies with us! 🚀
This February EIT RawMaterials is launching the Mining & Processing Technologies SIGN (Strategic Impact Group Network) in Krakow — a focused, expert-level forum for those building the future of Europe’s mining and processing systems.
📅 February 23-24, 2026 | Krakow, Poland
On the agenda:
▶Advanced extraction and processing technologies ready for deployment
▶Automation and digitisation to improve safety and efficiency
▶Low-emission, energy-efficient processing solutions that can scale
▶Modular and flexible plant architectures
▶Real-world deployment barriers: CAPEX/OPEX, permitting, and technology readiness
👉 Find our more and register here: https://t.co/e43i2Ppgxi
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵Special report 04/2026: Critical raw materials for the energy transition – Not a rock-solid policy by European Court of Auditors
Sustainable resource management and stronger recycling systems are essential. Without better use of secondary raw materials, the EU’s resilience in critical supply chains will remain fragile.
The European Court of Auditors recommends strengthening policy foundations, ensuring diversification delivers real security, improving financing access, and increasing the added value of strategic projects.
Full report: https://t.co/qrpbJaVeQ9
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵Special report 04/2026: Critical raw materials for the energy transition – Not a rock-solid policy by European Court of Auditors
Strategic projects benefit from faster permitting and greater visibility under the new framework. Still, many will struggle to secure sufficient supply to meet EU needs by 2030.
To ensure secure supply, the EU must not only legislate ambition but also address financing bottlenecks and strengthen the foundations of its #rawmaterials policy. Implementation will determine success.
Full report: https://t.co/qrpbJaVMFH
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵Special report 04/2026: Critical raw materials for the energy transition – Not a rock-solid policy by European Court of Auditors
The #EU aims to diversify imports to reduce dependency on a limited number of supplier countries. However, efforts so far have not produced tangible results that significantly strengthen supply security.
Increasing domestic production is a key pillar of EU #strategy. Yet bottlenecks in permitting, financing, and implementation continue to hamper progress in mining, processing, and recycling projects.
Full report: https://t.co/qrpbJaVeQ9
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵Special report 04/2026: Critical raw materials for the energy transition – Not a rock-solid policy by European Court of Auditors
For a successful energy transition, the EU requires increasing amounts of critical raw materials. We assessed measures to secure their supply, such as diversifying imports, increasing domestic production and improving resource management. We found that the EU faces an array of challenges.
While the #CriticalRawMaterialsAct sets a strategic course, its targets lack justification and the underlying data is not sufficiently robust. Strategic ambition must be backed by solid evidence and measurable pathways.🧵
Full report: https://t.co/qrpbJaVeQ9
#mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd

[queenproject @queenprojecteu]

🧵🔌 #Silicon is a good example.
It’s not a metal, but it behaves like one in many applications. Extracted from sands and aggregates, silicon is essential for electronics, solar panels and digital infrastructure.
🔬 This is where projects like QUEEN (Horizon Europe) come in. The @queenprojecteu works on improving how mineral raw materials — including silica-rich sands — are processed, reused and upgraded to support Europe’s green and digital transitions.
♻️ Smarter material design + better raw material management = lower emissions, stronger supply chains and more resilient industries.
From steel chemistry to #silicon processing, materials policy is climate policy.
#Materials #RawMaterials #Steel #Silicon #EUIndustry #GreenTransition #QueenProject #mining #Sustainability #rawmaterials #sand #HorizonEurope #GreenIndustry #EUprojects
@EU_Commission | @EU_Hadea | @weirgroup | @NTNU |@arenesbellpuig | @ChangeoverLtd