ALS2 · Project

Chemical-Free Gold and Precious Metals Refining Using Vacuum Separation

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Imagine you want to separate gold from a mix of metals. Since 1883, the only way to do that has been dunking it in dangerous acids and chemicals — expensive, toxic, and messy. This project built equipment that separates metals by heating them in a near-vacuum, where different metals evaporate at different temperatures, like boiling water off soup to leave the salt behind. Two working machines (handling up to 200kg) were installed and tested at real industrial sites, proving the process works without a single drop of chemicals.

By the numbers

100%

Chemical-free refining process

Since 1883

Age of the acid-based refining process this replaces

Full working ALS2.0 equipment units installed at industrial sites

Up to 200kg

Maximum batch capacity of the larger unit

EUR 1,312,675

EU contribution to project development

The business problem

What needed solving

Precious metals refining has relied on acid-based chemical processes since 1883 — these are expensive, environmentally hazardous, and create toxic waste streams that face increasing regulatory pressure. The high capital costs of traditional refining also lock out SMEs from the precious metals recovery market, particularly for recycling electronic waste and recovering critical raw materials like Platinum Group Metals.

The solution

What was built

Two full working ALS2.0 chemical-free separation units (10-20kg and up to 200kg capacity) were installed and are operational at industrial end-users' premises. The equipment uses differential evaporation and condensation in near-vacuum conditions, controlled via a digital interface, to separate gold and other precious metals without any chemicals.

Audience

Who needs this

Gold and precious metals refineries looking to eliminate acid-based processesE-waste recyclers recovering precious metals from circuit boards and electronicsPlatinum Group Metals recovery companies (automotive catalysts, industrial catalysts)Mining companies seeking lower-cost precious metals separationSMEs wanting to enter the precious metals refining market at lower capital cost

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Precious metals refining

any

Target: Gold and silver refineries currently using acid-based separation

If you are a precious metals refinery dealing with the cost and environmental burden of acid-based refining processes used since 1883 — this project developed a 100% chemical-free separation system that uses vacuum evaporation instead of acids. Two full working units (up to 200kg capacity) have been installed and are operational at industrial end-users' sites. This eliminates chemical procurement, hazardous waste disposal, and reduces your capital investment and operative costs.

Electronics recycling (WEEE)

SME

Target: E-waste recyclers recovering precious metals from circuit boards

If you are an e-waste recycler struggling with the cost and complexity of recovering gold, silver, and platinum group metals from electronic waste — this project built equipment specifically optimized for precious metals recovery from WEEE alloys. The ALS2.0 system processes up to 200kg batches with no chemical inputs, making precious metals recycling viable for smaller operations. The digital process control interface allows fine-tuning for different e-waste compositions.

Platinum Group Metals (PGM) recovery

SME

Target: Companies in automotive catalytic converter recycling or industrial catalyst recovery

If you are in the business of recovering platinum group metals — classified as critical raw materials by the EU — this project extended its chemical-free separation technology to handle PGMs. The equipment (tested at 10-20kg and up to 200kg scales) uses differential evaporation and condensation in near-vacuum conditions. This opens PGM recovery to SMEs who previously could not afford the capital investment of traditional chemical refining.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does the equipment cost and what are the operating savings?

The project specifically highlights that ALS technology reduces both capital investment and operative costs compared to traditional chemical refining. Operating costs drop significantly because you eliminate chemicals, acid procurement, and hazardous waste disposal entirely. Exact pricing is not published in the project data — contact the manufacturer for quotes.

Can this handle industrial-scale volumes?

Yes. The project delivered two full working ALS2.0 units: one at 10-20kg capacity and one at up to 200kg capacity. Both were installed and are operational at industrial end-users' premises. The technology was designed for large-scale application across the precious metals value chain.

What is the IP and licensing situation?

The AcidLess Separation technology was developed and is owned by IKOI SPA, an Italian SME. As this was funded under the SME Instrument Phase 2, the IP remains with the company. Interested buyers would likely purchase or lease the equipment directly from IKOI.

What metals can this system separate?

The system separates gold from precious metals alloys, and has been optimized for recovery of precious metals from electronic waste (WEEE) alloys. It also handles Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), which are classified as critical raw materials by the EU.

Does this meet environmental regulations?

The process is 100% chemical-free, eliminating all acid use and associated hazardous waste streams. This directly addresses tightening environmental regulations around chemical refining. The process uses electrical induction heating in near-vacuum conditions with no chemical inputs or toxic outputs.

How mature is this technology?

The technology started at TRL6 and the project delivered two operational units installed at industrial end-users' sites, indicating TRL7-8 by project completion. The project was funded under the SME Instrument Phase 2, which specifically targets technologies ready for market scale-up.

Can existing refinery operations integrate this?

The equipment operates as a standalone unit with a digital interface for process parameter control. Based on available project data, the system was designed as a replacement for existing chemical pre-refining steps rather than an add-on, meaning it simplifies rather than complicates your process.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a single-company project by IKOI SPA, an Italian SME that both invented and commercializes the AcidLess Separation technology. The 100% industry consortium (no universities or research institutes) signals this is a commercial scale-up effort, not basic research. Funded under the SME Instrument Phase 2 with EUR 1,312,675, which the EU reserves for companies with a clear business plan ready to scale. For a potential buyer, this means you are dealing directly with the technology owner and manufacturer — no academic middlemen or complex IP negotiations.

How to reach the team

IKOI SPA is an Italian company and the sole developer. Contact through their project website or SciTransfer for a facilitated introduction.

Order a report on this consortium

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to evaluate ALS2.0 equipment for your refining or recycling operation? SciTransfer can arrange a technical briefing with IKOI and help you assess fit for your specific metals and volumes.

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