From Technical Developments to Future Roadmaps: OPTIMINER Partners Gather for the Month 18 General Assembly
By Eleni Natsi, CORE Innovation Centre (CORE IC)
The OPTIMINER consortium gathered in Katowice, Poland, at the premises of the Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute (GIG) for its General Assembly Meeting, marking 18 months of project activities. Hosted in the heart of one of Europe’s most important mining regions, the two-day meeting brought together project partners to review the progress achieved so far, discuss ongoing technical developments, and coordinate the next steps towards advancing sustainable and innovative mining solutions.
Reviewing Progress and Planning the Next Steps
The first day of the General Assembly was dedicated to the presentation of Work Package activities, offering an overview of the progress made during the previous six months and the planned actions for the upcoming period.
Each Work Package leader presented key achievements, ongoing tasks, challenges encountered, and future milestones. The sessions allowed consortium members to gain a comprehensive overview of the project’s development and ensured alignment on priorities across the different technical and horizontal activities.
Following the Work Package presentations, task leaders provided more detailed insights into their respective activities, highlighting the contributions of each partner and the synergies emerging across the consortium.
Technical Workshop: Strengthening Collaboration Across Work Packages
A dedicated technical workshop formed a central part of the meeting, focusing on cross-Work Package alignment and collaboration opportunities.
Partners discussed the latest technical developments, explored synergies between ongoing activities, and identified opportunities for closer cooperation to maximise the impact of the project’s results. The workshop also provided a valuable forum for exchanging knowledge, addressing technical challenges, and planning the upcoming activities required to achieve OPTIMINER’s objectives.
The discussions concluded with an open exchange among partners, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the consortium and the shared commitment to developing sustainable mining technologies.
Building Connections Beyond the Technical Sessions
The first day concluded with a social dinner in Katowice, bringing together all consortium partners in a relaxed setting. The evening offered an opportunity for informal discussions, networking, and strengthening the relationships that support effective collaboration throughout the project.
Project Management and Preparation for the M18 Review Meeting
The second day focused on project coordination and management activities. Partners reviewed the current status of project management actions and discussed the preparation for the upcoming M18 Review Meeting.
Key topics included the planning of upcoming actions, review guidelines, timelines, and organisational aspects required to ensure a successful review process. An open discussion allowed partners to address questions, clarify responsibilities, and align on the next steps towards the project’s upcoming milestones.
Visit to COMEX: Exploring New Partnership Opportunities
The General Assembly concluded with a visit to COMEX, the newest partner to join the OPTIMINER consortium. During the visit, partners had the opportunity to learn more about COMEX’s expertise, technologies, and potential contributions to the project’s objectives.
The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between research organisations and industry partners in transforming innovative concepts into practical solutions for the mining sector.
