SEPA becomes CIME

The Research, Processes and Analyses Department (SEPA - Service Etudes de Procédés et Analyses), located at the Bessines sur Gartempe industrial site since 1980, is set to undergo a major transformation in the coming months with the start-up of construction work on a brand new building which will bring all its operational entities (LAB, SPI, SAN, SET) together under one roof. Already, SEPA is changing its name to become the Center for Innovation in Extractive Metallurgy (CIME - Centre d’Innovation en Métallurgie Extractive).  The future premises, designed to foster synergies, will offer enhanced safety and radiation protection, and will be equipped with new facilities to support additional expertise. July 11th marked the end of the second public inquiry instigated following the orders of the French Conseil d'Etat (Council of State) issued on December 6 and 28, 2017, calling into question the legality of designating the Prefect of the region as the competent authority for environmental matters, in the case of projects relating to ICPE*-classified sites. No comments were recorded on the registers available to the public in town halls or through digital channels. The Prefectural order may be forthcoming by the end of this year. We'll keep you posted...