Near-zero-waste processing of low-grade, complex primary ores and secondary raw materials in Europe: technology development trendsNear-zero-waste processing of low-grade, complex primary ores and secondary raw materials in Europe: technology development trends
Ανασκόπηση
Review
2020-06-152020enResearch results from the Metgrow plus H2020 projectWith an increasing number of low-grade primary ores starting to be cost-effectively mined, we are at the verge of mining a myriad of low-grade primary and secondary mineral materials. At the same time, mining practices and
mineral waste recycling are both evolving towards sustainable near-zero-waste processing of low-grade resources within a circular economy that requires a shift in business models, policies and improvements in process technologies. This review discusses the evolution towards low-grade primary ore and secondary raw material mining that will allow for sufficient supply of critical raw materials as well as base metals. Seven low-grade ores, including primary (Greek and Polish laterites) and secondary (fayalitic slags, jarosite and goethite sludges, zinc rich
waste treatment sludge and chromium-rich neutralisation sludge) raw materials are discussed as typical examples for Europe. In order to treat diverse and complex low-grade ores efficiently, the use of a new metallurgical systems toolbox is proposed, which is populated with existing and innovative unit operations: (i)
mineral processing, (ii) metal extraction, (iii) metal recovery and (iv) matrix valorisation. Several promising novel techniques are under development for these four unit-operations. From an economical and environmental point of view, such processes must be fitted into new (circular) business models, whereby impacts and costs are divided over the entire value chain. Currently, low-grade secondary raw material processing is only economic and environmentally beneficial when the mineral residues can be valorised and landfill costs are avoided and/or
incentives for waste processing can be taken into account.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Resources, Conservation and Recycling160-104919Spooren_et_al_Resour. Conserv. Recycl._160_2020.pdfChania [Greece]Library of TUC2020-06-13application/pdf1.9 MBfree
Komnitsas Konstantinos
Κομνιτσας Κωνσταντινος
Spooren Jeroen
Binnemans, Koen
Björkmalm Johanna
Breemersch Koen
Dams Yoko
Folens Karel
González Moya, María
Horckmans Liesbeth
Kurylak, Witold
Lopez Maria
Mäkinen Jarno
Onisei Silviana
Oorts, Koen
Peys Arne
Pietek Grzegorz
Pontikes, Yiannis
Snellings, Ruben
Kinnunen Päivi
Tripiana Maria
Varia Jeet
Willquist Karin
Yurramendi, Lourdes
Elsevier
Processing of low grade resources
Near-zero-waste
Circular economy
Low-grade ores
Recycling
Critical raw materials
Metals