Near-zero-waste processing of low-grade, complex primary ores and secondary raw materials in Europe: technology development trends

作者：Jeroen Spooren, Koen Binnemans, Johanna Björkmalm, Koen Breemersch, Yoko Dams, Karel Folens, María González-Moya, Liesbeth Horckmans, Kostas Komnitsas, Witold Kurylak, Maria Lopez, Jarno Mäkinen, Silviana Onisei, Koen Oorts, Arne Peys, Grzegorz Pietek, Yiannis Pontikes, Ruben Snellings, M. F. Tripiana, Jeet Varia, Karin Willquist, Lourdes Yurramendi, Päivi Kinnunen · 发表于：Resources Conservation and Recycling · 年份：2020 · DOI：10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104919 · 被引用次数：217 · 研究领域：Extraction and Separation Processes、Metal Extraction and Bioleaching、Recycling and Waste Management Techniques

With 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 seconda...