C-Trace Project Kicks Off under EIT RawMaterials

On Tuesday, we held the official kick-off meeting of our new project C-Trace, developed under the umbrella of EIT RawMaterials, together with our partners DIAMO, státní podnik and the Technical University of Košice. This ambitious initiative, with a total budget of €2,441,374 and an EIT RawMaterials contribution of €1,703,920, marks the beginning of an inspiring collaboration and sets the stage for the ambitious work ahead.

The strength of this initiative lies in partnership. By bringing together industrial expertise, academic excellence, and applied research, the consortium is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the field of critical raw materials. Our shared goal is to develop solutions that will not only push technological boundaries but also support Europe’s ambition for a fast, sustainable and secure supply of strategic resources.

At the heart of the project is C-Trace,  a mobile device designed for the mining industry. It allows drill cores to be analyzed directly in the field, combining LIBS technology with an additional sensor system to provide digital petrographic profile of the mine. In a matter of minutes, C-Trace will identify critical elements such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, or copper. By reducing the need for laboratory processing and extensive sample transport, it makes exploration more efficient while also supporting environmentally responsible practices.

Recognizing these strengths, EIT RawMaterials has highlighted C-Trace as a strategic and innovative project with strong commercial potential and global ambitions. Its advantages in mobility, field application, and efficiency, together with a clear path to commercialization, underline the potential of C-Trace to shape the future of critical raw materials exploration.

We are proud to lead this consortium and grateful for the trust placed in us by EIT RawMaterials. The kick-off marks not only the start of our joint work, but also the beginning of an inspiring journey where innovation, sustainability, and collaboration come together. 

This project is supported by EIT RawMaterials, co-funded by the European Union.