Sulfidic mining waste from the production of Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni represents the largest volume of extractive waste in Europe. When poorly managed, these “tailings” may cause major environmental problems such as acid mine drainage. NEMO is the EU Horizon 2020 project that develops, demonstrates and exploits new ways to valorise sulfidic tailings. NEMO includes two case-studies: the Sotkamo Ni-Cu-Zn-REE/Sc mine in Finland and the Las Cruces Cu mine in Spain. NEMO’s benefits include the generation of new resources, CO2 savings from metal recovery and the replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement, as well as new jobs and revenues. NEMO will eradicate acid-mine drainage and other environmental issues, while ensuring an enhanced dialogue between industry and civil society, to obtain and maintain the License to Operate in the EU.

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