Critical Raw Materials: Towards a Sustainable Future

"Critical Raw Materials: Towards a Sustainable Future" is an innovative and comprehensive course offered by DelftX that delves into the complex world of critical raw materials (CRMs) and their pivotal role in addressing global sustainability challenges. This intermediate-level course provides a holistic understanding of CRMs, covering their entire value chain and equipping learners with the tools and strategies necessary for sustainable management.

What students will learn from the course:

  • Explore the significance of critical raw materials in achieving a sustainable transition
  • Recognize and analyze the multifaceted challenges associated with CRMs
  • Understand material systems, dynamics, and their social and environmental impacts
  • Develop strategies for implementing circular and sustainable use of critical raw materials
  • Apply knowledge to design innovative solutions in the field of CRMs

Pre-requisite or skills necessary to complete the course:

The course requires a secondary school level education. No specific technical background is necessary, making it accessible to professionals and students from various fields.

What the course will cover:

  • Definition and importance of critical raw materials in modern society
  • Geopolitical factors and global competition for resources
  • Resource economics and commodity market dynamics
  • Data analysis and future predictions for CRM supply
  • Environmental and social impact assessment methods
  • Supply risk mitigation strategies and resource exploration
  • Urban mining and material substitution techniques
  • Circularity strategies and business models for sustainable CRM use
  • Certification processes and trade relations in CRM management
  • Alignment of CRM challenges with Sustainable Development Goals
  • Real-world case studies and innovative business ideas

Who this course is for:

This course is designed for a diverse audience, including:

  • Professionals in the raw materials industry
  • Sustainability experts and consultants
  • Policy makers and government officials
  • Entrepreneurs and business leaders
  • Students in environmental science, engineering, and business
  • Anyone interested in understanding and contributing to sustainable resource management

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various ways:

  1. Developing sustainable supply chain strategies for businesses
  2. Implementing circularity initiatives in manufacturing processes
  3. Advising on policy-making for resource efficiency and sustainability
  4. Creating innovative start-ups focused on CRM solutions
  5. Improving risk mitigation strategies in resource-dependent industries
  6. Conducting environmental and social impact assessments for CRM projects
  7. Designing products with improved recyclability and resource efficiency

Syllabus:

  • Week 1: Introduction - Relevance of critical raw materials in our society
  • Week 2: Challenges - Issues with critical raw materials and their opportunities
  • Week 3: Analysis - Tools for evaluating raw material challenges
  • Weeks 4 and 5: Solutions - Approaches and strategies for tackling the challenges
    • Technical Solutions track
    • Systemic Solutions track
    • Policy Solutions track
  • Week 6: Ideas - Good practice examples and creative business idea development

This course offers a unique opportunity to gain a systemic understanding of critical raw materials and their role in sustainable development. By combining technical, business, and policy perspectives, learners will be well-equipped to address one of the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time. The course's focus on real-world applications and innovative solutions makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of resource sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future.