Sustainable purification technology for mining and metal industry water flows – Green chemical treatment system with steel industry slag by-products (PUREMINE)
Purpose and goal
Mining has always involved risks of unintentional transport of metals to surface and groundwater. At the same time, industrial interest and societal demand for metals and rare earth elements are increasing, while strict requirements are being placed on ensuring that mining operations are environmentally sustainable and properly permitted.
Expected effects and results
A method for water treatment combined with metal recovery will be tested through collaboration between researchers from three universities, mining companies, and two steel industries. The latter produce granulated slag, which in previous projects has been shown to be effective in binding metals during water filtration and sludge treatment.
Planned approach and implementation
The project will be carried out in four work packages:
- field trials at Botnia Gold AB’s mine in Vindelgransele and at Höganäs/Halmstadsverken
- analysis of granulated material and laboratory experiments
- recovery of metals through electrodialysis
- project management and stakeholder engagement
The mine serves as a representative example of ore extraction at smaller deposits, where environmental permits must be secured through sustainable water treatment methods.
This English version is an AI-assisted translation prepared for the Swedish Metals & Minerals website. It has not been reviewed or approved by the project team or the funding agency.