CONCEPT

Work Packages Structure

The project is divided into 9 Work Packages (WP) taking into account the technological development as well as the process validation and the exploitation approach. WP1 will focus in raw materials sampling, characterization, preliminary treatments and selection. WP2 is part of the mandatory treatment of the raw materials, which have to be concentrated; the WP pursues enhancing of concentration technologies, especially in environmental issues.

WP3, WP4 and WP5 form the core of the technological developments in the project. The division in three parallel RDI lines has a triple intent: (1) allows a standardization and effective comparison between results of the different technological alternatives; (2) selects and optimizes the best technological integrated solution for each type of raw material; and (3) maintains separate core knowledge and technologies between global leaders companies that will combine collaboration with market competition. Every new hydrometallurgical process line will be tested at lab and pilot scale and it’s mandatory to reach the last level of processing with metal production to validate them.

WP3 is focused in atmospheric pressure conditions leaching for studied ores to extract and purifying the main metals from pregnant leaching solution and specifically in the development of new technologies for extracting value metal recovery from solid residue. WP4, instead, will test pressure leaching conditions, improvement in efficient anodes for EW and for extracting value metal recovery from solid residue.WP5 will develop application of bioleaching and associated processes to metals refining and recovery. Each raw material from the mines will be tested in each process line. The important environmental and key aspects of valorization of waste and tailings obtaining by-products and water and effluent reuse and purification will be developed in WP6. The evaluation and analysis of the different technologies, the selection of solutions to pilot and a general technological assessment, including LCA, will be developed in WP7. The business plan and commercial strategy will be defined and the project outcomes and results will be disseminated in WP8.