05 May Metnet Tech Tour in Liège Highlights Innovation and Collaboration
On 25 and 26 March 2025, members of the Metnet network met in Liège, Belgium, for a two-day technical visit hosted by CRM Group and the University of Liège. The event offered participants the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art infrastructure and engage in discussions on the future of mineral and metallurgical process upscaling.
The programme included guided tours of CRM Group’s research laboratories and pilot facilities. CRM Group is a leading not-for-profit research organisation specialising in metals processing and recycling. With more than 290 skilled researchers, CRM supports industries in their transition toward a circular economy and more sustainable production methods. The group’s contributions to the Metnet network include expertise in advanced testing for metal recycling, thermo-chemical treatment for material recovery, innovative coating technologies that enhance metal durability, and additive manufacturing for producing complex metal components.
Participants also visited the University of Liège’s innovation hubs, where they learned about ongoing research activities and collaborative initiatives aligned with Metnet’s goals.
In addition to the technical visits, the meeting included strategic discussions on Metnet’s priorities for 2025 and the future direction of the network. Time was dedicated to knowledge exchange, collaborative planning, and informal networking during shared dinners, strengthening connections among members.
Metnet, coordinated by the PROMETIA Association, is a network of independent pilot plants that supports the scale-up of mineral and metallurgical processes from research to industrial application. The network brings together expertise and specialised infrastructure to bridge the gap between innovation and market readiness.
As part of an ongoing campaign, we are currently introducing each Metnet member through a dedicated series that highlights their pilot plants, capabilities, and unique areas of expertise. Over the coming weeks, follow the series to discover how Metnet’s members contribute to process innovation and how you can benefit from their facilities to bring your ideas from pilot to industry.. Follow us on LinkedIn for more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prometia/
PROMETIA thanks CRM Group, the University of Liège, and all participants for their valuable contributions, with special appreciation to Bernard Vanderheyden and Christa M. Nimbona for organising this year’s Metnet Tech Tour.
