PRO-SLO 1st PhD School: February - June 2025

In the scope of EIT RawMaterials project PRO-SLO, we are organising 1st PhD school on the topic of Social Licence to Operate (SLO). For this purpose, we have designed a specialized PhD education programme that will take place online and on-site. The online part, from 3rd to 7th February 2025, will be devoted to the basic SLO principles and terminology from various perspectives (legal, societal, ethical, environmental,..). The learning methodology will be interactive and will not take more than 3 hours per day. During the on-site part, from 23rd to 27th of June 2025, taking place in Adriatic Metals, Vareš, Bosnia and Herzegovina, students will be assigned with a specific Case- Study for which they will have to develop a methodology to obtain SLO, with the support of academic and industry mentor. Between the two parts, in the interval period, online mentorship meetings will occur between lecturers and students to process the material from the online part and prepare better for the on-site part.

This PhD school/course will be at beginner level, meaning no previous knowledge or experience on the topic of SLO is needed. The students are also exempt from paying the participation fee.

The PRO-SLO school’s purpose is to foster a deep understanding of societal, ethical, and environmental issues related to raw materials, thereby contributing to more sustainable and socially responsible practices in the industry.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT

Upon completion of this course students will be able:

1. to debate the social implications of contentious practices in the RM industry;

2. to explain the principles of a SLO;

3. to evaluate the social obligations of individuals and businesses in the RM supply chain;

4. to ensure good relations with the community and society during business projects in the RM sector;

5. to apply the concepts and principles of a SLO in a business case in RM sector;

6.   to develop a plan for a RM business to maintain its SLO.

Each student will receive 4 ECTS credits, a certificate of completion and be included in EIT employment database!

• SLO concept

• SLO and Raw Materials sector

• Tools and methodologies to establish SLO