Researchers at KU Leuven have started up a leaching and solvent extraction pilot, for the separation and purification of rare-earth elements. These pilots are constructed and operated within the EU Horizon 2020 NEMO project, aiming at the valorisation of sulphidic mining waste

Within NEMO project, TERRAFAME will run a pilot operation for more than one year to enhance bioleaching heap efficiency and to increase metal recovery from secondary ores.

SIM² KU Leuven - SOLVOMET/PROCESS researchers developed a new method for the measurement of chlorides in ionic liquids using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The work was published in ACS Omega.

SOLVOMET/SIM² KU Leuven researchers developed a predictive molecular thermodynamic model, enabling a more efficient design of future (battery-grade) cobalt solvent extraction flowsheets. The work was published in ACS Omega.

On April 27 more than 220 people participated in the event “Can the recycling of mining waste become a new business?” Three experts from EC DG ENV, Boliden & Cronimet shared their views. Here are the main lessons learned...

SOLVOMET/SIM2 KU Leuven & VITO researchers developed a process to recover copper from dilute ammoniacal leachates of microwave-roasted Cu-Zn-Pb sulphidic tailings. The work was published in Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy.

Within the ETN SULTAN project, Wienerberger & SIM² KU Leuven researchers studied the potential blending of sulfidic mining waste in new ceramic roof tiles and blocks. The work was published in Journal of Geochemical Exploration.

SOLVOMET/SIM² researchers have published a critical review paper in the high-impact journal “Chemical Reviews” on the oxidative dissolution of metals in organic solvents, which can offer a solution when aqueous systems fail.

Registrations are open for the Lunch Event "Recycling mining waste, a new business? (27 April 2021, 12.30-13.30 pm CET). Three experts will share their views on the recycling of mining waste, covering a variety of case studies.

Researchers from Wageningen University and SIM² KU Leuven reviewed recent SLO-literature and concluded that the way how SLO is conceptualised and often implemented in practice, does little to enhance the legitimacy of resource extraction.