LITHOS podcast episodes - RAW MATTER
"Why critical mineral supply chains have become battlefields" [Jones & Poliscanova, RM #1]
lean energy, electric mobility, digital/AI technologies, and modern defense capabilities all rely on one foundation: critical minerals. Hosted by Peter Tom Jones (Director SIM² KU Leuven) and Julia Poliscanova (Senior Director at T&E), the podcast brings together leading voices from around the world. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, investor, or simply curious, RAW MATTERS is your gateway to the critical minerals debate in a world where critical mineral supply chains are becoming battlefields.
“Can Europe set up its own battery sector without the help of China?” [Sanderson, RM #3]
In Episode #3 of RAW MATTERS Julia Poliscanova (she/her) and Peter Tom Jones spoke at length with Henry Sanderson, author of VOLT RUSH and China expert/journalist, about the China Speed-model. How does it work? What is the secret of the success of fully-vertically integrated giants such as CATL and BYD? How sustainable is China’s export-driven model? What is the impact on Europe of China’s export restrictions and licenses?
“Why does the ESG debate always forget the worker’s perspective?” [Kirton-Darling, RM #5]
In Episode #5 of RAW MATTERS Peter Tom Jones (SIM2 KU Leuven) and Julia Poliscanova (T&E) speak at length with Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of industriAll Europe. Judith Kirton-Darling is widely considered as one of Europe’s leading and most eloquent voices representing 7 millions of industrial workers. The discussion is triggered by the recent speech of Bart De Wever, the Belgian Prime Minister, who recently stated:
“How China can switch off Europe's wind turbines” [Alberic Mongrenier, RM #6]
In Episode #6 of RAW MATTERS, hosts Julia Poliscanova and Peter Tom Jones speak with Albéric Mongrenier, Executive Director of the European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES). Together, they explore how critical raw materials, energy security, cybersecurity, and military demand are becoming tightly interlinked in today’s unstable geopolitical landscape.
Europe’s Mining Renaissance
In this 22-minute documentary Peter Tom Jones (Director KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals - SIM2 KU Leuven) searches for answers to Europe’s seemingly problematic relationship with primary mining of energy transition metals.
Made in Europe: from mine to electric vehicle
A tsunami of cheap electric vehicles from China could lead to a nightmarish de-industrialisation in Europe. Dr Peter Tom Jones, a well known climate author, is convinced that Europe has to take the full value chain back in its own hands, from mine to electric vehicle. He undertakes a road trip in the Nordic countries to visit iconic mines and show best practices. He talks to the indigenous Sami people and to European leaders.
- Petrakis, E., Alexopoulos, I., Pantelaki, O., Karmali, V., Komnitsas, K. (2025). Advances in mineral processing of hard-rock lithium ores: A comprehensive review, Mining Metallurgy & Exploration. DOI:10.1007/s42461-025-01227-y
- Petrakis, E., Alexopoulos, I., Pantelaki, O., Karmali, V., Stratakis, A., Komnitsas, K., Major Challenges Associated with the Beneficiation of a Petalite-Type Pegmatite, Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. DOI: 10.1007/s42461-026-01474-7
L. Lemmens, X. Vanwezer, S. Raiguel, R. Lommelen, K. Forsberg, T. Van Gerven, K. Binnemans, Solubility and antisolvent crystallization of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in various organic solvents, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. DOI: 10.1039/D5CP04491J
- K. Komnitsas, Socio-environmental aspects related to the Implementation of strategic projects, 2025 OECD Conference of Mining Regions and Cities, June 2025 –download
- Petrakis, E., Alexopoulos, I., Pantelaki, O., Karmali, V., Komnitsas, K. (2025). Advances in mineral processing of hard-rock lithium ores: A comprehensive review, Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, September 2025 (MME Technical-Paper extended abstract) – download
- P. Kinnunen, K. Bru, T. Zhang, M. Paavola, A. Kritikaki, R. Nasser, P. T. Jones, K. Komnitsas, LITHOS: Cost-effective processing and refining of lithium into lithium hydroxide from strategic European multi-mineral lithium hard-rock projects, NGWM2026 Book of Abstracts, Special Volume of the Bulletin of the Geological Society of Finland –download
- J. Liipo, S. Malmi, A. Aaltonen, R. Aho, D. Bilal, S. Pulkkinen, K. Pulkkinen, J. Fernandes, J. Pereira, P. Fullenwarth, E. Petrakis, O. Pantelaki, V. Karmali, K. Komnitsas, K. Bru, NGWM2026 Book of Abstracts, Special Volume of the Bulletin of the Geological Society of Finland –download
- Press Release SIM²/SOLVOMET KU Leuven, Horizon Europe ENICON, EXCEED, AVANTIS, CICERO & LITHOS – Prometia – 15 March 2024 (READ)
- VTT (LITHOS Coordinator) has published a press release on their development of “more efficient lithium recovery – driven by EU’s goal of increasing self-sufficiency in mining operations” – September 2024 (READ)
- Press Release SIM²/SOLVOMET KU Leuven, Horizon Europe LITHOS & Horizon Europe EXCEED – 12 May 2025 (READ)
- Press release Europe’s Lithium Paradox released to global audience after final avant-première event in Brussels during start of EU Raw Materials Week – 13 November 2025 (READ)
- Press Release SIM²/SOLVOMET KU Leuven, Horizon Europe LITHOS and H2PlasmaRed – 12 February 2026 (READ)