The REPTiS project (Responsible Extraction and Processing of Titanium and other Primary Raw Materials for Sourcing EU Industrial Value Chains and Strategic Sectors) is an initiative funded by the European Union with a grant of over €7 million, within the Horizon Europe program. Its main objective is to address the challenges related to the sustainable extraction and processing of titanium and other critical materials, aiming to establish a secure and sustainable European supply chain for titanium, a key material for various strategic European industries such as aerospace and medical device manufacturing.
This project involves 11 European companies and research centers and has a duration of four years. One of its core components is the extraction of ilmenite (a titanium-bearing mineral) in Ukraine, using low-carbon production technologies developed by the Ukrainian company Velta. The technologies tested in this project, such as the Velta Ti process, are expected to achieve a significant reduction in energy consumption and environmental impact during titanium production.
REPTiS project particiants
Furthermore, the project aims to develop high-value-added final products, such as aerospace components and medical implants, from titanium powders produced using advanced technologies like 3D printing and metal injection molding.
Main Objectives:
Sustainable Extraction: REPTiS focuses on improving the ilmenite extraction process (a key mineral for obtaining titanium) in Ukraine, specifically at the Byrzulivske deposit. Methods will be implemented to reduce energy consumption and the environmental impact of mining.
Titanium Powder and Feedstock Production: One of the innovative aspects is the use of the Velta Ti process, a technology developed in Ukraine to produce titanium powder with a reduced carbon footprint. This powder is essential for manufacturing high-value products, using advanced technologies such as 3D printing and Metal Injection Molding (MIM).
Manufacturing of final products: In this phase of the project, ALFA MIMtech participates most actively. The titanium powder produced within the project, in its various forms (the MIM titanium feedstock will be jointly developed with Tecnalia), will be used to manufacture complex and high-precision components. This approach seeks to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in strategic industrial sectors.
Life Cycle Assessment:
Additionally, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of titanium will be conducted, from extraction to the production of final products, to measure the environmental impact and improvements compared to traditional titanium production methods.
The REPTiS project aims to enhance the titanium supply chain and reduce Europe’s dependency on external sources for this strategic metal, promoting the adoption of greener technologies and highlighting Ukraine as a strategic partner for European industry.
