Self-sufficiency with natural resources according to the principles of circular economy

27.5.2024, Ljubljana, Slovenia
The event took place at the premises of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, and covered a wide range of topics focusing on various aspects of self-sufficiency of communities or regions with mineral resources. We’ve highlighted the impacts of the sustainable development of the mining sector on infrastructure, the economy, the environment and society, as well as the role and importance of mining in the green transition.

The event also highlighted the multiplicative effects of mineral deposits and their importance in the EU economy focusing on resources for which the proper management approach ensures the impact of sustainable energy use per unit of resource transformed into a product.

Comprehensive treatment of economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable management of mineral raw materials as natural resources to boost the circular economy practices and understand the policy challenges and business opportunities.

The event demonstrated the possibility of a comprehensive approach to dealing with the challenges and opportunities brought by the sustainable management of natural resources and emphasise the need for cross-sectoral cooperation in integrating financial and socio-economic strategies in the basic plans for sustainable green development.

Dr Aurela Shtiza from Industrial Minerals Association Europe addressed: ‘Circularity: Political Theory vs Mineral industry reality’ and contributed to the multi-stakeholder panel.

Few take aways:

• Circularity is not black and white;

• Understanding the nuances is a challenge for the policy makers as well as for company operators.

• There is no single solution fit all to address these challenges.   

• Multi stakeholder involvement is necessary to identify bottlenecks and make circularity operational.

The nine-year integrated project LIFE IP Restart, which connects the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and 15 partners from business and science, is co-financed by the European Union as part of the program LIFE.

IMA Europe thanks to our hosts in Slovenia and all of you who participated at the event. We are looking forward to our next meeting!

More info here.