A new version of the HAlMan 3D experience connects an accessible exploration of the project’s metallurgical process with scientific papers, conference presentations and other research outputs.
The Horizon Europe project HAlMan has created an interactive 3D experience that invites users to explore its approach to producing manganese, manganese alloys and other valuable materials. By linking stages of the process to related research, the experience brings together a visual overview and the scientific work behind the technology.
Developing a new metallurgical process involves many interconnected steps, from investigating raw materials and testing reactions to demonstrating processing routes and evaluating potential applications. The HAlMan 3D experience makes these connections easier to follow, offering a user-friendly way to explore the process and discover the research undertaken to investigate approaches, test options and develop solutions.
Users can navigate the visual environment and access linked scientific papers, conference presentations and further project outputs associated with different parts of the process. This allows visitors to choose their own level of detail: they can begin with an overview and then explore the evidence and technical findings behind the stages that interest them.
Linda Kimeiša (WIT Berry), HAlMan project communication manager: “As HAlMan project approaches the end, the experience provides a way to bring together and share the knowledge generated through intensive research, collaboration and experimental work. It offers researchers, industry professionals, students and other interested audiences an accessible entry point into the project’s results.”
Explore the HAlMan 3D experience and the research behind the process: https://process.halman-project.eu/
Investigating a more sustainable route to manganese production
HAlMan stands for Sustainable Hydrogen and Aluminothermic Reduction Process for Manganese, its Alloys and Critical Raw Material Production. The project aims to demonstrate the HAlMan process at pilot scale, combining hydrogen and aluminothermic reduction to produce manganese and manganese alloys.
The project’s objectives extend across several applications. They include using the resulting metals to produce several tonnes of manganese-containing commercial steels and aluminium alloys, producing manganese dioxide for battery applications, and demonstrating the production of metallurgical-grade alumina and commercial cements from process by-products. HAlMan also investigates the mapping and extraction of critical raw materials, including rare earth elements.
The process is being developed around four central ambitions: a low carbon footprint, low energy consumption, no solid waste generation and the valorisation of secondary raw materials.
Addressing Europe’s materials and emissions challenges
Manganese is an important input for steelmaking, aluminium alloys and battery materials. Its production also presents challenges relating to energy use, emissions and raw-material supply.
The project’s starting context illustrates the scale of these challenges. In 2020, Europe produced approximately 1.4 million tonnes of manganese ferroalloys, generating more than 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Europe also imported approximately 111,000 tonnes of electrolytic manganese and 38,000 tonnes of electrolytic manganese dioxide that year.
HAlMan investigates how alternative processing routes and the recovery of valuable materials from secondary resources and by-products could contribute to a more sustainable and competitive European metallurgical industry.
