The overall objective of the SINCER project is to promote effective industrial symbiosis through research into sustainable technologies aimed at the recovery and valorization of fundamental metals (Mn, Si, Mg, Ni, Cr) and key metals (Zn, Fe) present in multiorigin industrial waste streams. By means of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, together with advanced conditioning and separation technologies, the project seeks to close material loops and facilitate the reintroduction of recovered materials both into original industrial processes and into new strategic applications (batteries, magnets, alloys).

SINCER will contribute to the consolidation of a robust circular economy around fundamental raw materials, reducing external dependency and generating highvalue scientific and technological knowledge for industry.

The project considers the valorization of up to nine different waste streams originating from the production processes of the four industrial partners. These waste streams have been classified according to their composition and recovery potential, and grouped into work packages based on the treatments required.

Initially, the majority fundamental metal present in a given waste stream or group of waste streams drives the definition of the recovery process to be developed. Subsequently, the presence of additional fundamental metals, either due to their abundance or to their strategic value even when present in smaller quantities, motivates their recovery within specific waste groups.

In all cases, the objective is to obtain an intermediate productthat can either be recirculated within the originating companyor symbiotically transferred to another company, enabling the production of final products with reduced dependence on external raw material supply for existing markets, or alternative final products aimed at opening new market opportunities.