12 Oct PROMETIA Tech Tour 2025 – A Journey Through Greece’s Raw Materials Sector
The PROMETIA Tech Tour 2025 brought together 20 participants from 16 member organisations across Europe for a three-day technical visit to Greece. The tour offered an in-depth view of the mineral and metals value chain, from bauxite mining to advanced recycling and academic research. It highlighted how sustainability, innovation, and collaboration are shaping the future of raw materials in Europe.
Day 1: Exploring the Metlen Bauxite Mine
The programme began on 6 October with a visit to the underground bauxite mine operated by Metlen Energy & Metals. Participants had the opportunity to observe mining operations at first hand and to understand the technical, safety, and environmental aspects involved in maintaining a stable underground mine.
The visit provided insight into the complexity of the extraction process, where every stage requires precision and careful handling. Conversations with local stakeholders revealed strong community support for the mine, largely due to the close economic and social connection between the operation and the surrounding area.
Day 2: From Bauxite to Aluminium and Circular Innovation
The second day focused on the transformation of bauxite into alumina and aluminium at Metlen Energy & Metals’ integrated metallurgical facilities. Seeing the complete production chain from ore to finished metal provided participants with a clear understanding of the industrial processes that underpin the European aluminium sector.
Sustainability featured prominently throughout the visit. Metlen’s research into converting bauxite residue into alternative cement materials demonstrated a proactive approach to waste reduction and resource efficiency. The company’s initiatives in energy self-sufficiency and recycling also illustrated a strong commitment to sustainable industrial development.
In the afternoon, participants visited Monolithos Catalysts & Recycling Ltd. in Athens. The company’s work on recovering and reusing Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) from spent automotive catalysts, along with its broader activities in waste valorisation and circular economy technologies, showcased how innovation is driving more sustainable approaches to resource recovery.
Day 3: Research and Education at NTUA
The final day was hosted by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Participants visited the Laboratory of Metallurgy and met with professors and researchers who are advancing metallurgical science and promoting education in the field of raw materials. The discussions underlined the importance of raising public awareness about the critical role of minerals in modern life and of engaging future generations in sustainable resource management.
A guided tour of NTUA’s geological and mineralogical museum provided additional insight into Greece’s geological diversity and its contribution to the development of mining and metallurgy. The visit reminded participants that the true value of minerals lies not only in their economic significance but also in their necessity for everyday life and the expertise required to extract and process them responsibly.
Collaboration and Mentorship Across Europe
The 2025 Tech Tour brought together participants from 16 PROMETIA member organisations, including BRGM, CEA, ICSM, Toulouse INP, Eramet Ideas, Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), IDENER.AI, KU Leuven, LGI Sustainable Innovation, Łukasiewicz – Instytut Metali Nieżelaznych, LUT University, Luleå University of Technology, Swerim AB, Delft University of Technology, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, and the University of Oulu. The group was guided by mentors Jason Yang (GTK), Damien Bourgeois (ICSM), and Evangelos Ninos (NTUA), whose expertise and leadership greatly contributed to the success and educational value of the tour.
Over three days, the PROMETIA Tech Tour 2025 gave participants a unique opportunity to bridge scientific research, industrial practice, and community engagement in the raw materials sector. The experience highlighted how sustainability, innovation, and education work together as key drivers of progress in mining and metallurgy.
Beyond the technical programme, the tour fostered meaningful peer exchange and networking. Shared dinners, lively discussions, and visits to iconic sites such as Delphi and Athens created a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. These interactions not only enriched the professional experience but also strengthened the collaborative spirit at the heart of the PROMETIA network.
