Slag Valorisation Symposium

The symposium

From progress to transformation

As global challenges intensify—from climate change and resource scarcity to industrial decarbonisation—the need to rethink how we produce, use, and reuse materials has never been more urgent. At the same time, increasing pressure on global supply chains, rising costs of raw materials and energy, and growing geopolitical uncertainty are exposing the vulnerability of resource-dependent systems. Frameworks such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals have set the direction. Yet, the real challenge lies in implementation: scaling solutions, accelerating innovation, and bridging the gap between research and industry.

In this context, the valorisation of residues is no longer an option, it is a necessity.

Key dates

Abstract submission deadline: September 15, 2026
Paper submission deadline: January 15, 2027
Early bird registration: March 15, 2027
Symposium: April 13-16, 2027

Progress

Ten editions of progress and evolution

Since 2009, the International Slag Valorisation Symposium, organised by the Materials Engineering Department at KU Leuven, has grown into a recognised platform where academia and industry meet to exchange knowledge, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of high-temperature process residues.

Over the years, the symposium has reflected—and contributed to—the evolution of the field:

From waste management to resource recovery
From isolated studies to integrated systems thinking
From laboratory research to industrial implementation

The 10^th edition marks an important milestone—an opportunity not only to reflect on this journey, but also to critically assess where we stand today and where we need to go next.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead: the next frontier

While significant progress has been made, key questions remain:

How do we scale up valorisation technologies to meet industrial demand?
How can residue-based materials contribute meaningfully to decarbonisation pathways?
What innovations are needed to unlock new applications and markets?
How do we integrate digitalisation and advanced process control into residue management?

As industries face increasing pressure on raw material supply, cost, and sustainability performance, the perspective is shifting toward by-products as strategic resources, essential for reducing dependency on primary materials and strengthening circular value chains.

This edition invites participants to move beyond incremental improvements and engage with system-level transformation—where valorisation becomes an integral part of sustainable industrial ecosystems.

Scope and contributions

The symposium continues to provide a high-level forum covering the full spectrum of slag and residue valorisation, including:

Fundamental studies on liquid and solid slags

Hot-stage slag engineering, solidification, conditioning, and internal reuse

Slag cleaning and metal recovery from metallurgical residues

Production, properties, and performance of slag- and residue-based materials

Process development for sustainable and low-carbon technologies

Industrial case studies and implementation strategies

Environmental and economic assessment, including life cycle analysis

Policy, regulation, and standardisation

Invitation

Join the next chapter

The 10^th International Slag Valorisation Symposium is not just another edition—it is a moment to redefine ambitions, strengthen collaborations, and accelerate the transition from residues to resources at scale.

We invite researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to contribute their latest work and be part of shaping the next decade of slag valorisation.

Submit an abstract

Sponsorship

Connect with an expert community working on circular metallurgy

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organisations that want to support the symposium and engage with participants across research, industry, and policy.

Become a sponsor

The 10^th edition of the International Slag Valorisation Symposium is sponsored by the affiliates within the Centre for High Temperature Processes and Sustainable Materials Management.