Targeted Rapid Assessment of Critical Elements
Context and motivation
The secure supply of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) is a strategic priority at both national and European levels. In this context, mining wastes and tailings represent a potential secondary resource whose evaluation is currently limited by the cost, time and spatial coverage of conventional sampling-based approaches. TRACE addresses the need for rapid, scalable and non-invasive assessment methodologies capable of identifying areas of interest for CRMs over large and heterogeneous surfaces.
Project scope
TRACE is a research proposal focused on the development of an integrated, multi-sensor analytical framework for the targeted assessment of CRMs in mining-related environments. Rather than relying on a single technique, the project explores the combination of advanced optical sensing, spatial information and data-driven analysis to support decision-making in CRM exploration and prioritization. Environmental assessment and remediation support are considered additional benefits of this approach, while the primary driver remains the identification and evaluation of CRM potential.
Methodological philosophy
TRACE builds upon the group’s long-standing experience in field-deployable optical instrumentation, the analysis of highly heterogeneous materials, and advanced data processing and data fusion, with a particular emphasis on the knowledge consolidated during the three-year REMINLASER project.
While REMINLASER established the methodological foundations for indirect CRM quantification, TRACE represents a significant step forward in analytical performance. The project improves analytical sensitivity, extending both the achievable limits of detection and the range of elements that can be reliably assessed. In parallel, TRACE enhances detection sensitivity at scale through revised sensing and sampling strategies, increasing the reliability of CRM detection across spatially extended and heterogeneous sites.
These advances translate into faster and more reliable large-scale CRM assessments, enabling the systematic screening of spatially extended and heterogeneous sites with improved analytical and detection sensitivity.
Expected impact
TRACE advances the large-scale assessment of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) by enabling fast, reliable and sensitive screening of spatially extended and heterogeneous sites. By combining improved analytical sensitivity with enhanced detection sensitivity at scale, the project allows CRM-relevant signals to be identified across large areas with a level of reliability not achievable through conventional sampling-driven approaches.
In the current geopolitical context, where secure access to Critical Raw Materials is a strategic priority for Europe, TRACE provides a practical tool to rapidly reduce uncertainty at early decision stages. The project supports efficient prioritization of CRM-relevant areas, guiding targeted sampling and investment while reducing the cost, time and risk associated with large-scale exploration campaigns.
Beyond CRM-focused applications, TRACE establishes a transferable analytical and operational framework applicable to other scenarios involving complex and heterogeneous materials, contributing enabling tools for future environmental, industrial and strategic resource assessment initiatives.
Status
Proposal stage; awaiting funding decision.