Gemini Centres:

The Gemini collaboration is a model for strategic interaction between parallel research groups at UiO, NTNU, SINTEF, and St. Olavs Hospital. The purpose of the Gemini collaboration is to build larger and more robust academic environments of higher quality, which are better positioned to seize and develop new opportunities. Gemini Centres must be solidly anchored in the organizations' strategic priorities.

The research environments working with hydrometallurgy and hydrochemical process technology at NTNU, SINTEF, and UiO have jointly formed the Gemini Centre HyProS. This collaboration originates from a four-year (2014–2018) Research Council of Norway (RCN) BIA competence-building project in hydrometallurgy — Hydromet— and the Norwegian Hydrometallurgy Network.

Vision:

The centre aims to be an internationally leading hub for hydrochemical process technology, including hydrometallurgy, where knowledge, education, and research contribute to maximizing raw material utilization with minimum energy consumption in the production of critical metals and elements.

Goals and Strategy:

The centre shall:

• Increase collaboration and coordination between the three institutions.

• Collaborate with the industry on research and development (R&D).

• Submit joint applications from a strong and aligned academic environment.

• Be an attractive partner for EU projects.

The long-term goal is to lay the foundation for a Centre of Excellence (SFF) or a Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI).

Scientific Focus:

The following methods and techniques are central:

• Solution-based chemistry

• Separation methods

• Use of radioactive tracers

• Electrochemistry

• Process modeling and design

• Techno-economic evaluation

Management and Steering Committee:

The centre was officially established on November 28, 2018. The process of appointing the Board and the Steering Committee is currently underway.

Centre Director:Duncan Akporiaye (SINTEF Industry)