Training Needs in the Copper Sector, DIM-ESEE

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The copper industry faces growing challenges in workforce development. At the recent DIM ESEE Conference: Development and Innovations in Mineral Resourcing in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, held at the Inter University Centre (IUC) in Dubrovnik, KGHM CUPRUM represented the SkiComCu project, sharing recent research on the evolving training needs of copper sector employees.

During the ADRIA Education Day, Malwina Kobylańska presented the latest findings from SkiComCu, focusing on competency gaps in the context of digitalization and environmental transformation. The study, funded by EIT RawMaterials, highlights the urgent need to address skills shortages in a sector critical for Europe’s sustainable future.

Key Findings

  • Competency Gaps: Research identified gaps in both technical and social skills among current and future employees.
  • Technical Skills: Copper processing demands a blend of STEM expertise—physics, chemistry, mechanics—with advanced automation and digital technologies, including VR and AR applications.
  • Methodology: The study employed a triangulated approach including desk research, online surveys in real work environments, and focus group interviews with industry professionals. 

Results will guide the development of training topics and materials tailored to the real need of copper sector companies.

“This research is essential for preparing the workforce for the dual challenge of digital transformation and environmental responsibility,” said Kobylańska.

Why It Matters

As Europe accelerates its green transition, the copper industry’s ability to adapt hinges on equipping employees with future-ready skills. Initiatives like SkiComCu foster collaboration and innovation across the raw materials sector, ensuring sustainable growth.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue at the next DIM ESEE Conference in October 2026.

10th Greek Raw Materials Community Dialogue & Info day!

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On November 6, SkiComCu joined the 10th edition of the Greek Raw Materials Community Dialogue, organized by EIT RawMaterials Greece Representative. This special anniversary event celebrated a decade of impact under the theme: “Fostering a Strong and Innovative Raw Materials Industry.”

As Europe moves toward a green and digital transition, the dialogue brought together key stakeholders to reflect on progress and shape the future of raw materials.

We participated in the poster sessions, showcasing our latest results and contributions to copper sector innovation. As part of this event, our coordinator, ElvalHalcor – Copper & Alloys Extrusion Division, joined Panel 3: “Shaping the Raw Materials Future Together: Workforce Transformation and Public Acceptance”, sharing how the industry is preparing for tomorrow’s challenges as well as introducing our lifelong learning course designed to empower professionals for a sustainable copper future.

   (Credits: Paterakis Photos, Paterakis Dionisios)

This action was part of Milestone 6.3 – Execution of Events and Open Days, integrated into SkiComCu’s Info Day, where participants discovered through the poster presentation and flyer distribution, helping attendees explore the project’s role in education and the evolving copper landscape, specifically:

✅ Updates on our training platform
✅ Innovative XR tools for copper industry learning
✅ Insights from the partners NTUA and  ElvalHalcor – Copper & Alloys Extrusion Division.

👉 Want to learn more about SkiComCu?

🔗 Follow us on social media @skicomcu for updates on copper innovation and lifelong learning!

Join us on our Info day!

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We are pleased to invite you to the second SkiComCu Info Day, taking place online on October 30th, 2025. This webinar will present the latest developments in the SkiComCu Lifelong Learning Course, a European initiative designed to strengthen skills and competences across the copper sector.

The course includes modules on technical knowledge, sustainability, health and safety, and soft skills related to the whole life of the copper production, from mining to recycling.

During this session, you’ll discover updates about the training platform, explore new XR tools developed for copper industry learning, and hear directly from the project partners including UPM, NTUA, ELVALHALCOR, and AURUBIS. 

🔗 Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/qfrEPhvnfi

Stay tuned for more events and follow us on social media @skicomcu.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Find here the agenda

SkiComCu Plenary Meeting 4 – Sofia – Bulgaria

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On October 8 and 9, SkiComCu held its 4th Plenary Meeting, hosted by AURUBIS, in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. The meeting brought together partners, both physically and online, for two days of collaboration, content creation and catch up about the current state of the project.

During this two-days meeting, every WP leader presented their most recent tasks, their work on deliverables and next steps. Gathering together helped with the update of upcoming event that will be made by partners from the project, as well as participating in relevant ones related to raw materials. Being together was specially relevant too for the creation of content materials, including photos, videos and interviews to all the partners that attended physically. This will help with the dissemination and communication of our goals and achievements to the target audience.

During the second day, the partners from AURUBIS organised a visit to their facilities where everyone learned about some parts of the copper recycling process in detail. It was a fascinating and informative experience that helped memebers to understand about more sustainable industrial practices. 

 

Collaborating in this meeting allowed all members of the project to share their challenges and concerns, align on the current work plan, and refine strategies moving forward. It also reinforced the importance of open communication and active contribution across the team.

Thank you to AURUBIS for hosting us and to all participants that contributed making this meeting productive and enriching.

Stay tuned for more updates and the upcoming materials from the event!

Results from WP2: Future of the Cu Sector, Circular Societies and more!

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We are excited to announce the successful completion and positive evaluation by EIT RawMaterials of the first three deliverables from Work Package 2.

Deliverable 2.1: Report on the assessment & validation of needs
for Cu-oriented education chain selected groups

This report presents the results of a comprehensive study on skills gaps among employees in the copper industry. Using a combination of desk research, online surveys and focus group interviews, the study identifies key professional skills and social competences essential for boosting innovation in the Cu sector.

It emphasizes the integration of Industry 4.0 & 5.0, the green transition, and the circular economy into workforce strategies across RIS regions.

Deliverable 2.2: Competence framework for Responsible
Sourcing, Sustainable Material and Circular
Societies

Building on the findings of Deliverable 2.1, this report outlines a competence framework tailored to the evolving needs of the Cu sector. It highlights the skills and capabilities required to embrace digital transformation, support sustainable practices and drive innovation and competitiveness

This serves as a tool for aligning workforce development with future industrial demands.

Deliverable 2.3: SkiComCu long term action plan and 10-year
foresight report

Looking ahead, Deliverable 2.3 introduces a 10-year foresight strategy for the Cu sector, developed through Delphi surveys, Backcasting and Roadmapping.

The report delivers two complementary roadmaps:

  1. SkiComCu Platform Roadmap focused on continuous platform development and maintenance.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement Roadmap aimed at fostering collaboration and long-term commitment.

Each roadmap includes actions and timelines to guide the sector toward a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future by 2035.

👉 More information about the deliverables and complete reports on the title link or in the Work Packages section.

New report on Future Skills for a Smarter Copper Sector: Key Insights

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The latest publication on the project results, “Trends in Changes in Competency Expectations Towards Employees in the Copper Sector”, presents key findings on skills gaps identified within the copper sector across RIS (Regional Innovation Scheme) territories. These insights stem from analyses conducted under the project ‘SkiComCu – Lifelong Learning Course for Skills & Competences in the Copper Sector’, funded by EIT RawMaterials.

The research highlights a comprehensive set of technical skills and social competences essential for the copper industry, with a strong focus on addressing challenges related to Industry 4.0 and 5.0, the clean transition, and the circular economy.

Using foresight methodologies—including the Delphi method, backcasting, and roadmapping—the study delivers an integrated forecast of future competence needs across the entire copper value chain.

They reveal that automation, AI, and immersive technologies are transforming job roles, while ESG standards and green investments are redefining business priorities. As a result, the sector faces growing demand for digital, social, and cognitive skills.

👉 Stay tuned to explore how these changes will impact the future of the copper industry and for updates on our activities!

Find us at “Raw Materials Summit 2025”!

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SkiComCu will be attending the Raw Materials Summit 2025, taking place in May 13–15, Brussels.

Hosted by EIT RawMaterials, this annual summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators to shape the future of Europe’s raw materials landscape. It’s a key platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and showcasing forward-thinking projects.

At the event, SkiComCu will have dedicated information materials available, offering insights into the project’s activities, and progress. Whether you’re curious to learn more or looking to connect, we invite you to pass by and engage with us.

We look forward to share our work and contribute to a more sustainable raw materials future in Europe. Stay tuned for updates on our activities!

SkiComCu Plenary Meeting 3 – La Palma – Canary Islands, Spain

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SkiComCu held its 3rd Consortium Meeting the past 1st and 2nd of April, hosted by La Palma Research Centre, in the island of La Palma, Canary Islands. Having the participation of the partners from the consortium, physically and online, helped everyone to coordinate their activities in line with the expected results.

During the two-days meeting, every WP leader presented their tasks, deliverables and next steps, focusing as well in the current progress made by their side, highlighting the development of the Training Platform, XR tools and the creation of Modules for the learning course.

During the second day, the partners also had the chance to visit some relevant spots during a field trip in order to know more about the island and its still-active geological structure, giving a real example of how new materials are in constant development and the harsh environment they sometimes give from a social perspective. 

Collaborating in this meeting helped all members of the project to share their challenges and discuss the current work plan to stay on track, while refining the strategies and sharing contributions across the team members, ensuring a successful future for the project while mantaining a good flow of communication. 

SkiComCu Plenary 2 – Madrid, Spain

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On the 24th and 25th of October 2024, the SkiComCu partners gathered in Madrid, Spain, for the second Plenary Meeting of the project. The event, hosted by the Centro de Domótica Integral (CEDINT) from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, was held in hybrid mode, allowing the participation and interaction between the representatives from the consortium who attended physically and those who joined online.

The second Plenary Meeting helped coordinating the activities that are currently being carried out, bringing to light those important points that have been developed during the last months and organizing and discussing future events and tasks that will be developed in the near future. 

The agenda started with the presentation by the coordinating institution Elval Halcor, who provided an update on the overall progress and the recent achievements within the Work Package on project management. After that, each WP leader presented their progress of their respective work during the sessions of the first and second day of the meeting, explaining the most relevant challenges and actions foreseen for the near future, concluding with an open discussion with the involvement of all project partners. 

During this meeting, the pending issues were discussed to develop the work plan for the following weeks, together with the most recent events, where organization was crucial to maintain a good flow of communication and correct development of activities. 

 

In adittion, to finish the second day, the consortium had the chance to meet some of the CEDINT researchers, that presented us their facilities, highlighting the technological capabilities of their Virtual and Augmented Reality. During this site visit we explored some of the possibilities that this technologies offer to improve the training on different levels and proffesional profiles in the fields of Copper mining and metallurgy, together with the possibilities of creating virtual environments to simulate complex situations for workers to practice safety protocols and face risk scenarios under controlled conditions.

This technologies offer an advantage inside the training field, by helping people understand what they are studying with complete 3D models, the importance of raw materials and some of the specific needs on mining and metallurgy to be improved, while learning about safety and efficiency processes.

Final Delphi Survey: future skills and competencies in the copper sector

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Would you like to contribute to shaping the future of the Copper sector? Join our final round of the Delphi Survey and help us define the skills of tomorrow:

Join the survey!

The SkiComCu Delphi Survey presents a series of statements and questions about the current and future scenario of the copper industry, and we invite you to freely comment and provide your views about them. We aim at mapping the possible and probable future needs for competencies and skills in the copper value chain for the next 10 years, and tailor the SkiComCu lifelong learning course materials to the future needs of the sector, taking into account your contributions.

We are trying to see how experts and stakeholders across the copper value chain see the future skills and competencies needs that will be in high demand. We will use this information to prepare the roadmap with actions that will make SkiComCu course future-proof!

We are planning to run this survey until end of August. This is the final round of this surveys, so do not miss this last chance to contribute and let us know your thoughts.

Stay tuned!