REMHub webinar recap: Tracing the future – EU-driven solutions for digital and geotraceability of critical raw materials

REMHub webinar recap: Tracing the future – EU-driven solutions for digital and geotraceability of critical raw materials

On 25 September 2025, REMHub hosted a knowledge-sharing webinar titled “Tracing the Future: EU-driven solutions for digital and geotraceability of critical raw materials.” The event brought together leading experts to discuss the latest advances in traceability, sustainability certification, and geochemical fingerprinting for technology materials. The session was opened by Merie Kannampuzha (CLIC Innovation), followed by an introduction to the speakers and topics by Paavo Nikkola (GTK).

Digital traceability and sustainability certification for rare earths

Teresa Oberhauser (Circularise/CSyARES) presented the CSyARES Product Traceability Platform, focusing on digital traceability and sustainability certification for rare earth elements (REEs). The Circularise platform enables confidential, auditable supply chain insights, leveraging blockchain technology to create verifiable Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These passports facilitate compliance with EU regulations such as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), ensuring transparency and sustainability in rare earth value chains. Key challenges addressed included data security, legislative pressures, lack of common methodologies, and the need for standardized sustainability certification. The platform integrates with existing ERP systems and supports automated sustainability reporting, aiming to build more circular and transparent supply chains.

Geotraceability methods for technology materials: An overview

Quentin Dehaine (GTK/MaDiTraCe) provided an overview of geo-based traceability methods for technology materials. The presentation emphasized the importance of provenance, production methods, and ethical sourcing in the upstream value chain for batteries and magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Geo-based traceability relies on geological and geochemical fingerprinting, which can verify the origin of raw materials and complement digital traceability systems. Dehaine highlighted the challenges of implementing robust fingerprinting, including variability within deposits, the impact of processing, and the need for comprehensive reference databases. The presentation concluded that while geo-based fingerprinting is not a standalone solution, it offers significant forensic potential for verification and control, and should be developed alongside digital systems.

Rare earth and magnet geotraceability: From proof of concept to Digital Passport

Xuan Liu (GTK/REMHub) discussed the Min.DNA methodology for rare earth geotraceability, tracing materials from ores to finished magnets. The approach uses unique geochemical and isotopic signatures (“mineral DNA”) to identify the origin and lifecycle of rare earth elements. Proof-of-concept studies demonstrated that Nd isotope and REE ratios are promising candidates for traceability, with ongoing efforts to expand the methodology and improve technology readiness. The presentation underscored the need for commercialization initiatives and further research to enable fully traceable and sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials.

Panel discussion and closing

The webinar concluded with a panel discussion, where experts addressed audience questions and explored future directions for traceability and sustainability in the EU raw materials sector. The session ended with a summary of key insights and a call to action for continued collaboration and innovation.

This webinar showcased the REMHub community’s commitment to advancing traceability and sustainability for critical raw materials, highlighting both digital and geochemical innovations that will shape the future of responsible sourcing in Europe.