Scientific Meeting Highlights FREECOVER Research on Sustainable REE Recovery During Secondment at the University of Havana
As part of the FREECOVER – Eco-Friendly Hydrometallurgy for Rare Earths Recycling project, a scientific meeting was held during the secondment of José Alejandro Ricardo García, PhD Researcher from the Università degli Studi di Udine (UNIUD), Italy, at the University of Havana (UH), Cuba.
The meeting brought together researchers from both institutions to exchange scientific knowledge, discuss ongoing research activities, and reinforce collaboration within the FREECOVER consortium. Organised under the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchanges programme, the event reflected the project’s commitment to international research mobility, interdisciplinary cooperation, and capacity building.
During the session, José Alejandro Ricardo García delivered a presentation entitled:
«REEs Recovery via Natural Zeolite: A Study of Process Dynamics and Equilibrium Conditions.»
The presentation explored the use of natural zeolite as an environmentally friendly adsorbent for the recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from secondary resources. Particular attention was given to adsorption process dynamics, equilibrium behaviour, and the role of sustainable separation technologies in improving both the efficiency and environmental performance of hydrometallurgical recycling processes.
The scientific discussion fostered an active exchange of expertise between researchers from UNIUD and the University of Havana. Participants shared experimental methodologies, discussed analytical approaches, and explored opportunities for future collaboration, while highlighting the scientific value of researcher mobility within the FREECOVER secondment programme.
Beyond presenting research findings, the meeting demonstrated how international scientific exchanges accelerate knowledge transfer, strengthen institutional partnerships, and promote the co-development of innovative solutions for the sustainable recovery of critical raw materials. These collaborative activities contribute directly to Europe’s transition towards a more resilient and circular economy.
Through secondments, technical meetings, workshops, and collaborative research activities, FREECOVER continues to strengthen scientific excellence, foster international cooperation, and advance sustainable technologies for rare earth element recycling across its European and international consortium.
Funding Statement
FREECOVER – Eco-Friendly Hydrometallurgy for Rare Earths Recycling is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101182579.
Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
