CLC will test technology for recovering critical metals from mine waste

Cobre Las Cruces (CLC) will test the technologies in its pilot plant, which was built in 2016. Credit: COBRE LAS CRUCES.

Spanish mining company CLC has unveiled plans to test new technologies for extracting critical metals from mine waste.

These technologies are designed to recover metals such as cobalt, tungsten, gold and silver.

This initiative is part of the EU-funded RAWMINA project, which aims to provide crucial raw materials needed for the development of renewable energy and energy storage systems, including batteries for electric vehicles.

One of the methods is bioleaching, a process in which microorganisms are used to extract metals from rocks.

CLC noted that bioleaching has several advantages compared to traditional metallurgical processes. These benefits include lower energy and chemical consumption, lower capital and operating costs and lower CO₂ emissions.

The company’s pilot plant, built in 2016, for its polymetallic refinery project will serve as a testing ground for this technology.

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CLC stated that the extraction of raw materials from mine waste is not only crucial for the energy transition, but also aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on external markets such as China.

The RAWMINA project, which started in 2021, is now entering its final phase. It includes a consortium of 19 specialized partners from ten countries.

As one of the most proactive Andalusian entities in Horizon 2020 programs, CLC’s involvement in the RAWMINA project complements its participation in other research and development initiatives.

These include the METALLICO consortium, which is developing new methods to obtain strategic metals for battery production, and the University Innovation Center of Andalusia, Alentejo and Algarve, where CLC is researching the use of metals from the Andalusian Pyritic Belt for production of next generation batteries. .

In addition, CLC is a member of the European Raw Materials Alliance, which is committed to securing the supply of essential metals for European industry.

Joaquín Gotor, director of innovation and environment at CLC, said: “This project allows us to add new metals to our production portfolio using the principles of the circular economy, contributing to the green transition towards greater environmental sustainability.”