A new EU-financed project kicked off in September 2020 – MINE.THE.GAP will support small and medium-sized enterprises to modernise the value chain of the mining and raw materials sector. Through technology application and solutions in advanced manufacturing, circular economy, energy efficiency and ICT, European mining SMEs can make their activities more sustainable and digital. How? Through collaboration and financial support of MINE.THE.GAP.

Behind MINE.THE.GAP, there is a consortium of nine European clusters, one RTO and one association representing more than 500 SMEs. Together, the project partners are currently preparing the first open call and the support services for the companies. Throughout the entire MINE.THE.GAP project lifetime, they will accompany successful applicants along their journey.

First open call in 2021

The first open call for SMEs will be launched in March 2021. It will be dedicated to the design and implementation of a prototype or proof-of-concept to demonstrate the viability of a solution to the main challenges of the mining value chain. To apply, two or three SMEs come together in collaboration and form a consortium. Selected project consortia can receive a maximum financial support of 75,000 EUR for a project lifetime of 9 months.