FREECOVER
"ADVANCING ECO-FRIENDLY HYDROMETALLURGY FOR SUSTAINABLE RARE EARTH ELEMENT RECYCLING AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY INNOVATION"
Sustainable Rare Earth Recycling
Developing eco-friendly hydrometallurgical processes to recover critical raw materials and reduce environmental impact.
Innovative Separation Technologies
Utilizing advanced ionic liquids and membrane systems to enhance efficiency and sustainability in rare earth element extraction.
Strategic Collaboration & Impact
Bringing together academia, industry, and policymakers to drive innovation and support the EU’s circular economy goals.
Advancing Sustainable Rare Earth Recycling in Europe
FREECOVER is an EU-funded project focused on developing eco-friendly hydrometallurgical processes for the recycling of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), essential for renewable energy, electronics, and mobility sectors. By integrating advanced technologies such as ionic liquid-based extraction, membrane filtration, and circular economy principles, FREECOVER addresses key challenges in sustainable resource recovery. Through international collaboration and cutting-edge research, the project supports Europe’s strategic autonomy, reducing reliance on raw material imports while promoting environmentally responsible solutions for a greener future.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
INNOVATION APPROACH
Sustainable REE Recycling
Recover rare earths using eco-friendly hydrometallurgical recycling processes.
Efficient REE Extraction
Optimize REE recovery with advanced separation and membrane technologies.
Green Solvent Replacement
Use biodegradable liquids and adsorbents to remove toxic chemicals.
Circular Economy Integration
Recycle water, reuse waste, and reduce resource consumption.
Advanced Water Treatment
Filter contaminants using natural adsorbents and sustainable filtration systems.
Research-Industry Connection
Transfer lab innovations to industry for scalable real-world applications.
European Resource Independence
Reduce REE imports through local, sustainable recycling solutions.
Global Scientific Collaboration
Unite academia, industry, and policymakers to advance sustainability.
PROJECT CONSORTIUM
OUR PARTNERS
COORDINATOR
The Università degli Studi di Udine (UNIUD) serves as the coordinator of the FREECOVER project, overseeing its strategic direction and scientific advancements. With extensive expertise in hydrometallurgy, material chemistry, and circular economy solutions, UNIUD plays a pivotal role in the development of eco-friendly technologies for Rare Earth Element (REE) recycling.
