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Expert Forum on Deep-Sea Mining - 16 June 2025

16 June 2025

The Expert Forum on Deep-Sea Mining, in collaboration with SIM² KU Leuven, will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to explore the impact and strategic potential of deep-sea mining for Europe and Flanders.

This high-level event will focus on:

  • Securing the supply of critical raw materials.
  • Explore the technological innovations and environmental impact of deep-sea mining.
  • Assess the role of deep-sea mining in Europe’s strategic and critical raw materials strategy.
  • Exploring opportunities for regional value creation.

Programme

Deep-Sea Mining and Its Potential for Flanders: An Expert Forum 
13:30 – 14:00  Doors Open & Registration
14:00 – 14:10  Welcome & Introductions
14:10 – 15:00 

Setting the Stage: Introductory Talks

  • Prof. Ann Vanreusel (UGent – Marine Biology) – ‘Ecological Aspects of Dee-Sea Mining’ 

  • Dr. Kris Van Nijen (DEME – Global Sea Mineral Resources) - ‘Meeting Increased Metal Demand in a responsible manner’  

  • Dr. Michael Baltes (Umicore – Corporate R&D) – ‘Nodule Processing Developments over the Last Decades’ 
15:00 – 15:50  Panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ir. Peter Tom Jones  (SIM2 KU Leuven) 

Panellists: 

  • Kris Van Nijen, Managing Director, Global Sea Mineral Resources NV (GSR) 

  • Michael Baltes, Lead Metallurgist Ni-Co / Recycling & Extraction Technologies (RET), Umicore Corporate Research & Development 
15:50 – 16:00   Closing Remarks
16:00 – 16:45   Networking Reception
END

 

Register for the Expert Forum on Deep-Sea Mining



Event location