Full Metal Extraction from Smelter Sludges (FUMES)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f samhällsbygg & naturresurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | March 2022 - December 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Production in the mining and metal-producing industry |
Important results from the project
The project aim was to develop and optimize a method for removing elements accumulating when recycling residues from the copper production system. It is desired that copper remains in solution while precipitates rich in antimony and or bismuth and arsenic are selectively formed and can be separated. The pressure leaching method works but further optimization is needed, some selectivity is obtained over time for precipitation of leached components. Further studies will take place in an approved project within Formas.
Expected long term effects
Knowledge from the project led to a granted application in Forma´s open call in 2022. This enables continued studies of the method, and also other alternative leaching and separation methods. Through recruitment of researchers an increased research capacity in the area is achieved. The results from the pre-study within Swedish Mining Innovation will be published. In the long term, the method can contribute to increased efficiency and flexibility in raw materials as well as EU access to critical materials.
Approach and implementation
Representative test material was collected, analysed and characterized before conducting pressure leaching tests under varying temperature, time and method of oxygen supply. Obtained leachates, leach residues and precipitates were analysed with appropriate methods selected for each phase, e.g. XRF, XRD, ICP-OES, at different times. Preliminary evaluation was conducted in connection to the the trials to be able to optimize the conditions. Leaching efficiency and limitations have been evaluated.