Transforming Futures: A Circular Economy Journey in Croatia 🌍

Imagine standing at the crossroads of innovation and sustainability—this is exactly where half of our second intake finds themselves today, forging their career paths in Zagreb, Croatia. Immersed in cutting-edge courses like Urban Mining and Circular Economy and Tailings Management and Reprocessing, these students are not just learning but becoming changemakers in the fight for a greener future.

But the classroom is only the beginning. Their recent visits to Croatia’s leading recycling and waste management hubs have been transformative! To enrich their learning experience, the group embarked on field visits to some of our esteemed partners.

October 8: Žirovski Vrh Uranium Mine

On October 8, the group visited the Žirovski Vrh Uranium Mine, located 45 kilometers west of Ljubljana, Slovenia. This mine has a rich history: uranium mineralization in Groeden sandstone was first discovered in 1960. Ore production began in 1982, followed by yellowcake production in 1984. During its operational years, approximately 610,000 tons of ore were processed, producing 452 tons of yellowcake. Operations ceased in 1990 following a decision by the Slovenian government, which came without prior notice to the operators.

October 14: Ce-Za-R Recycling Center

Next, the team traveled to Zagreb to visit Ce-Za-R d.o.o., a prominent company specializing in collecting, recovering, and trading metal waste. Established in 1991, Ce-Za-R is part of the C.I.O.S. Group, Croatia’s leading waste management organization. The company adheres to EU circular economy principles and applies the best available techniques in waste management. Over its three decades of operation, Ce-Za-R has earned numerous awards for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

Exploring the C.I.O.S. Group’s Waste Management Plant

The group visited the C.I.O.S. Group’s mechanical-biological treatment plant for municipal waste to round out their journey. With over 30 years of experience in waste management, the C.I.O.S. Group stands out as a pioneer in sustainable practices.

These visits offered our students a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative practices shaping the circular economy and waste management sectors. This hands-on experience will undoubtedly contribute to their academic and professional growth, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable development principles.

Remember that our application for our 4th intake is almost over!!! Don’t waste time and apply to take part in this fantastic journey.