Co-operation for a modern raw materials sector in the region

Development of a research area around the raw material sector in Wrocław is the main goal of the signed letter of intent. KGHM and KGHM Cuprum for years have been looking for new ways and op-portunities for co-operation in order to create innovative solutions in mining and processing of copper ore. “Our goal is to create an innovative ecosystem that will integrate the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises, large industry, research units and capital funds around the biggest challenges facing Europe in the field of raw materials,” said Herbert Wirth, President and CEO of KGHM.

KGHM Cuprum Research and Development Centre is the key R&D facility for KGHM with nearly 50 years of tradition. Providing innovative solutions and supporting core business operations is part of the company’s strategy. The realization of this goal is possible also through international co-operation. The company participates in a number of European projects related to the mineral resources and creates new areas of co-operation, an example of which is the involvement of the Lower Silesian Cluster of Commodities, coordinating Polish Technology Platform for Mineral Resources or active participation in the European Partnership for innovation in the field of raw materials (EIP on Raw Materials).

“The company’s mission is to create a bridge between science and business. We want to cooperate closer with other scientific units, research institutions and companies operating within the city of Wrocław, which is proved by the letter of intent we have signed today,” said Monika Hardygóra, Pres-ident of KGHM Cuprum.

“This initiative is open also to other interested entities and institutions. We invite to participate in this endeavour both institutions working in the field of science and industry,” added Jan Kudełko, Vice-President of KGHM Cuprum.

Declared cooperation will focus on the implementation of joint R&D projects and assumes the possibility of support in obtaining EU funds for their implementation. The letter also expresses the intention to apply for grants for the development of research potential, including modern research equipment, which will increase the possibility of creating breakthrough technologies for mineral resources sector, especially for KGHM, which is a global company. Both the KGHM Group and Wrocław Research Centre EIT+ are intensively involved in the construction of the Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in the raw materials sector, the strengthening of which has become one of the priorities of the European Union. The decision to set up KIC is expected later this year, and its only Polish branch is to be located in Wrocław.

“Today, the focus should be on spending money on specific objectives and selected institutions with a large pro-innovation development potential. Without a true synergy of activities of business, academic and local authorities partners there is no smart specialization, and this is the essence of modern Euro-pean development policy. All partners of the agreement are aware of this fact. Our purpose is to help and to give a chance for a gigantic potential that is in our region and in the Campus. This is the transi-tion into another stage of innovation and development of Lower Silesia,” said professor Jerzy Langer, President of Wrocław Research Centre EIT+.

The letter was signed by Herbert Wirth, President & CEO of KGHM Polska Miedź SA; Monika Har-dygóra, President of KGHM Cuprum Sp. z o.o.; Jerzy Langer, President of Wrocław Research Centre EIT+; and Rafał Dutkiewicz, Mayor of Wrocław.