Following the EUROTHEN Network under the 4^th Framework Programme (FP4), the European Minerals Industry established NESMI (Network of the European Sustainable Minerals Industry) under the 5^th Framework Programme (FP5).
Its objective was to identify research and technological development (RTD) needs of the sector. Results were published in March 2005 in the “Mining and Industry Research Handbook” (also available as a download at www.nesmi.net).
Building on this identification work, the European Minerals Industry subsequently initiated the ETP SMR to set up RTD priorities with concrete deliverables.