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A Podium Finish at an International Sustainathon for a Warsaw University of Technology PhD Candidate!
How do you design a climate-neutral, ESG-compliant mine of the future? This was the challenge faced by our PhD candidate - Marie-Lou D’Ercole, who, together with her team, took part in the Raw Materials Sustainathon 2025 - an intensive 24-hour competition dedicated to sustainable development in the raw materials sector.
As part of the “Saudi Government ESG Moonshot Challenge: Design the Net-Zero Raw Materials Hub of 2040”, participants were tasked with developing a realistic concept for transforming an existing mine into a modern, net-zero raw materials hub. The project covered the entire lifecycle of the operation - from extraction and processing to waste and water management, as well as social aspects, risk management, implementation planning, and financial analysis.
The team proposed a comprehensive solution based on innovative recycling processes, waste reduction strategies, renewable energy integration, phytoremediation of degraded land, water conservation measures, and community-driven circular economy initiatives.
Marie-Lou's team was awarded 3rd place in the competition!
This achievement is not only a project success, but also a testament to how interdisciplinary knowledge, creativity, and the ability to work under intense time pressure can lead to realistic visions for a more sustainable future.
Autorka tekstu: Aleksandra Stefanowicz, Członek zarządu RDPW ds. promocji