Wise process routes for varying feedstock in base metal extraction
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Institutionen för tillämpad kemi och geovetenskap |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 6 403 000 |
| Project duration | October 2007 - December 2011 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The aim is to find methods for an efficient extraction of metals from complex and impurity rich mineralizations and an increased recycling of secondary materials.
Expected long term effects
The knowledge on how to economically treat complex and impurity rich mineralizations will strengthen the competitiveness of the Swedish mining industry. The ore reserves will increase since large tonnages of currently known but unexploited complex mineralizations can be turned into ores. An efficient use of by-products both from the mining sector itself as well as from other industrial sectors will provide for a sustainable use of mineral and metal resources by reducing the amount of waste produced and increasing the metal reserve.
Approach and implementation
In-depth studies in three disciplines, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy will form the base for an overall model to evaluate the metal extraction efficiency from mineralization to product. Trials in full scale will be carried out to verify results from research studies The project will be divided into three work packages; 1/ Impurity management by selective removal and valorisation, 2/ Impact of impurities on smelting processes, 3/ Evaluation of process options. The work will be performed by senior researchers and PhD students.