Topic 6 – Innovative approaches for analysing raw materials value chains
The Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Group at IACT-CSIC is interested in joining a transnational RAMP consortium as a Spanish research partner.
We offer multi-isotope approaches for investigating the geographical and geological origin, processing pathways, recycling, environmental impacts and traceability of critical and strategic raw materials. Our expertise includes stable isotope analyses of sulfur, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen, as well as strontium isotope measurements, applied to minerals, rocks, mining residues, soils and waters.
Potential contributions include the development of isotope fingerprints for raw-material provenance and supply-chain transparency; differentiation between primary and secondary raw-material sources; investigation of sulfide oxidation, sulfate generation and mining-related contamination; and monitoring of environmental impacts and remediation processes.
We are particularly interested in collaborating with partners working on mineral resources, sustainable mining, metallurgy, recovery of raw materials from mining or industrial residues, circularity and digital traceability. Our contribution is especially relevant to Topic 6, but may also support projects under Topics 1 and 2.
We seek to participate as an experimental and scientific partner in a consortium coordinated by another European organisation and would apply for Spanish funding through the State Research Agency, AEI.
The Institute of Earth Sciences (IACT) is a joint research institute of the Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, and the University of Granada. Its research covers geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, environmental sciences and Earth-system processes.
The Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Group operates an extensive analytical infrastructure comprising isotope-ratio mass spectrometers, elemental analysers, gas preparation and chromatographic systems, laser-based isotope analysers and specialised sample-preparation laboratories.
The group has extensive experience in the isotopic characterisation of geological, environmental and biological materials, including minerals, sediments, soils, waters, dissolved compounds and industrial or environmental residues. Its work combines analytical development with the application of isotopic tracers to provenance, biogeochemical processes, pollution-source identification, environmental monitoring and reconstruction of material transformations.
IACT-CSIC can contribute analytical expertise, experimental design, method development, interpretation of isotope data and integration of isotope fingerprints with mineralogical and geochemical information.