ReAK - Reduction of arsenic in copper concentrates
ReAK - Reduction of arsenic in copper concentrates
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Members of the Consortium

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Consortium

National research organizations and Federal Government entities

Fraunhofer IWKS

The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS (Fraunhofer IWKS, Dr. G. Homm, A.-L. Bachmann) focuses on recovering valuable materials from different waste streams (urban mining). In addition to know-how in the area of ​​leaching and adsorption processes, in particular the mechano chemical leaching, the IWKS has experience in LCAs and LCCs, which the project group contributes in this project. In addition, one main task is the overall coordination of the project.

BGR

The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources sub-department Geology of Minerals Resources (BGR, FB 1.2,J.A. Meima) investigates and assesses mineral potentials. The focus is on the analysis of ore deposits of selected element groups or in selected areas as well as potentials for efficiency improvement in extraction. Thereto, BGR runs modern laboratories for bulk, 2D/3D-spectroscopic, and micro-analytical analyses, and has gained long-time experience with the geochemical, mineralogical and textural characterization of complex ores and processing residues. Within ReAK, BGR focuses on the systematic geochemical-mineralogical characterization of copper raw materials, concentrates, and intermediates, as well as on the feasibility of a sensor-based monitoring of these materials.

Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg

The Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TU BAF, Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Stelter, Prof. Dr. M. Schlömann, Dr.-Ing. N. Hoth) deals among other things with sustainable technological and microbiological solutions for the production of metals as well as for materials recycling of non-ferrous metals. In this context topics of contribution are arsenic fixation, atmospheric leaching or bio-oxidation, and sulphating roasting. The TU BAF as a resource university has already successfully worked on several projects with Chile. This relates to cooperation in the education of students in the field of mining and metallurgy as well as joint research projects in non-ferrous metal production, the bio-leaching, the arsenic tolerance and recycling. Most of the necessary instrumental equipment is available, and analytical questions can be comprehensively dealt with here.

Wismut GmbH

The main task of the federally funded Wismut GmbH (Dr. M. Paul) is the decommissioning, rehabilitation and recultivation of uranium production and uranium processing sites in Germany. As a part of the treatment of mine water, Wismut deals intensively with the problem of arsenic containing wastewater and the landfilling of arsenic containing wastewater treatment residues. Within ReAK, Wismut will focus on the study of mobilization and immobilization processes, as well as the development of a landfill concept.

National industrial partners

Aurubis AG

The company Aurubis AG (Dr. G. Alvear) is one of the world's largest copper producers and copper recyclers. As such, Aurubis contributes as an associated partner to the project with its experience and knowledge in the field of copper processing from concentrate to finished metal.

Borregaard Deutschland GmbH

Borregaard Deutschland GmbH (BD; T. Stauder) is a producer of modified biopolymers that can be used in open-pit metal recovery areas. One area of ​​application of the polymers is flotation. As a result, Pionera has important know-how for the project and will use it in the flotation work package.

EnviroChemie GmbH

EnviroChemie GmbH (EnviroChemie, Dr.-Ing. E. Bitter) is a specialist in the field of wastewater treatment. Its services include the design and construction of tailor-made plants for process water, circulation water, cooling water and wastewater treatment. Through its successful participation in numerous research funding programs (BMBF), EnviroChemie has gained in-depth knowledge of the implementation of joint projects. In the project EnviroChemie GmbH will deal with an improved oxidation of arsenite to arsenate.

Outotec GmbH & Co.KG

Outotec GmbH & Co.KG (Outotec, M. Wrobel) develops and builds industrial plants, such as roasting, flotation, gas cleaning, sulfuric acid, and leaching and wastewater treatment plants. Outotec will contribute the experience and expertise in these areas as part of the project and will lead the roasting work package. In addition, Outotec has a pilot plant for roasting experiments, which they can provide.

Chilean partners

AHK Chile

The German-Chilean Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Chile) not only represents the interests of its members, but has also developed into an important platform for trade exchange and the transfer of technology and know-how between Germany and Chile. The Competence Center Mining and Raw Materials is the central unit within the AHK Chile for the entire field of raw materials and mining.

Alta Ley

Alta Ley is a public-private initiative program in Chile that is sponsored by CORFO (the representative of the Chilean government), the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Mines. Alta Ley is supposed to be the bridge to the Chilean government.

Codelco

Codelco is the world's largest mining copper producer and is a Chilean state-owned company organised under private law. In the project, all samples come from mines owned by Codelco. The company also acts as an advisor to the consortium.

EcoMetales

The Chilean company EcoMetales already performes atmospheric leaching with H2O2 on arsenic-containing fly dust and copper concentrates. Within the project, it will assist EnviroChemie in optimizing the existing process and support in the development of a disposal concept for the arsenic-containing residues.

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

The University of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), among other things, has experience in the field of flotation and will therefore lead the work package of selective flotation. In addition, the university is the coordinator of the ReAK project on the Chilean side.

Universidad de Concepción

The Universidad de Concepción (UdeC) will contribute its expertise in the field of partial roasting and project-accompanying analytics on the Chilean side.