In Satakunta, Finland’s largest cluster of non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metal products and chemicals is located in the industrial zone of Kokemäenjoki valley. The electrifying and renewable energy society increases the demand for non-ferrous metals, which is also reflected in a clear growth in the Satakunta non-ferrous metal cluster. In electronics, electricity storage (accumulators), electricity transmission (conductors) in electricity generation (generators/engines), an increasing number of colour metals are needed. The strong demand growth has made some of the colour/technological metals critical, i.e. these raw materials are not available on the market at a pace of growth or some countries control these mineral resources under a monopoly. For example, the cobalt or rare earth elements required for permanent magnets in today’s batteries are critical.The increasing competition for raw materials and, at the same time, the tightening EU legislation on the promotion of recycling puts pressure to shift from primary raw materials to secondary, i.e. recycled raw materials. For economic and environmental reasons, the production of metals in Europe will continue to take place in existing centres, which will be developed more materially and energy-efficient. It is also extremely challenging for the recycling of critical metals to create a new “green field” plant due to its heavy infrastructure needs and huge initial investments. However, billions of basic infrastructure for recycling metals is already in place in Satakunta. In addition, Satakunta’s infrastructure is particularly suitable for recycling critical metals, as nickel and copper refining processes support or enable most critical metal recycling processes. In addition, nickel and copper ores usually contain cobalt, which is one of the most critical metals with the battery boom. Globally, recycling plants for critical metals are located in connection with copper or nickel refining processes. The Satakunta’s non-ferrous metal cluster is an internationally unique industrial concentration, whose renewal and competitiveness are essential for the region’s vitality. Key elements of renewal include recycling of colour and critical metals, shifting from primary to secondary raw materials, and matching products to the needs of an electrifying and low-carbon society. The aim of the EU is to develop a centre of excellence, attractive development environment and operating methods in Satakunta; test plant concept for critical recycled metals. The activities involve world-class metallurgy companies from the region, top researchers and students, regional developers and decision-makers of cities and municipalities. The Centre of Excellence is preparing to respond to the challenges and opportunities of a non-ferrous metal cluster brought about by a full-electric and low-carbon society.Objectives1. Identify business opportunities for Satakunta’s non-ferrous metal cluster and the Finnish metal processing industry as a result of the fight against climate change and the electrification of society.2. Promote the shift of metal processing from primary raw materials towards recycled raw materials.3. Promote the business opportunities of companies in the region in the growing international battery business. 4. Developing the attractiveness of metal processing in the region and attracting new talent, companies and financing.5. Strengthening training and research in metallurgy and metal recycling in Satakunta.6. Design the concept or operation of the Critical Recycling Metal Test Plant.7. Enable the emergence and establishment of new companies, the creation of new services and investments (plug-in) within the non-ferrous metal cluster.8. Promote low-carbon processes and products in the metal processing and metal products industry and their suitability for the Satakunta non-ferrous metal cluster through studies and piloting. 9. Develop forms of cooperation and network to provide the infrastructure, material and energy flows of a hundred non-ferrous metal clusters in an ecological, efficient and business-enhancing EU, implementing the following four work packages as a whole.TP1: Mapping & Identification Recyclability of applications, side streams and slags containing critical metals: • Identifying the potential recycling of critical metal applications (e.g. batteries) for Finnish industry and metallurgy, as well as the global or Europe-wide logistics and value chains of fractions. • Identify potential sources of critical metals from the side streams or slags of the Finnish metallurgical industry. • Identify development proposals related to Satakunta’s non-ferrous metal cluster products, side streams, waste, environment, low-carbon and new business. • To identify opportunities for the establishment and expansion of the battery business in Satakunta. TP2: Feasibility Applicability of identified blanks