Imagine mining for critical minerals without digging a giant hole in the ground; instead, it's like using a precise straw to pull materials from deep underground. The project also replaces harsh chemicals with green alternatives to clean the minerals and turns waste rock into useful building materials. It's essentially a way to get the ingredients for green tech without ruining the local landscape.
Europe depends on foreign imports of Rare Earth Elements, but traditional mining is often rejected by local communities due to high CO2 emissions and environmental destruction.
A sustainable mine concept featuring automated raise mining, green beneficiation chemicals, and a system to convert tailings into construction geopolymers.
If you are a mining operator dealing with high surface disturbance and community opposition — this project developed raise mining and automated underground techniques that minimize the visible footprint. This allows for extraction with lower CO2 emissions and better local acceptance.
If you are a chemical supplier dealing with strict environmental regulations on mineral processing — this project developed green beneficiation chemicals and water treatment formulations. These allow for the recirculation of process water and a zero-pollution footprint.
If you are a materials producer dealing with high cement costs and carbon taxes — this project developed a way to turn mine tailings into geopolymers for construction and CO2 capture materials. This transforms a waste stream into a sellable product.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost-per-ton figures are not provided; however, the project focuses on reducing costs by eliminating tailing ponds and reducing cement use via geopolymers.
The project is currently in the demonstration and numerical modeling phase, using simulations to confirm the technical feasibility of stope geometry and extraction sequences.
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms or patent filings, though the project involves 3 industry partners who may hold joint IP.
The project supports the adoption of UNFC and UNRMS standards and aims to meet European environmental and social commitments for decarbonized mineral extraction.
The project period runs from 2023-12-01 to 2027-05-31, suggesting that full validation of the technologies will be completed by mid-2027.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, featuring 11 partners across 10 countries. With a 27% industry ratio (including 3 industrial partners and 2 SMEs), there is a strong bridge between the 5 universities and 2 research centers, ensuring that the theoretical mining models are grounded in commercial reality.
Contact INSTITUTT FOR ENERGITEKNIKK STI in Norway
Contact us to connect with the REESOURCE consortium for early adoption of green mining tech.
