WORK PACKAGES
WP1 - Materials selection and characterization
In the framework of this work package it is intended to collect 2 samples of PCBs (E-waste, secondary sources) and 2 of gold ores (primary sources). E-waste sample will be provided by TDE-Recycling GmbH and by ARG – Recuperação de Metais. Ore samples will be collected at the mine site from a former portuguese mine (Freixo de Numão Deposit) and form a tailings dam (Banjas Deposit). Representative samples will be prepared and distributed among partners. Both materials will be carefully characterized in terms of chemical composition. Techniques as XRF (X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), AAS, ICP or XRD (X-ray diffraction) will be implemented to produce adequate full element and phase analysis.
WP2 - Innovative Comminution Techniques
​In the framework of WP2, two comminution pathways will be compared to assess the potential of electrofragmentation pre-treatment to improve the liberation of gold. According to this, it will be required to set the most adequate parameters of the electrofragmentation process and study potential improvements that can be applied to the conventional pathway. The participation of the two end-users companies will be important to understand their concerns and expectation regarding the comminution stage.
WP3 - Physical Processing of ores and PCBs
WP 3 pretends to implement an experimental plan to assess the feasibility of physical separation to generate gold-enriched products from ores and e-waste. Froth flotation and gravity concentration are promising techniques to reject waste material and produce high-grade products, which would be beneficial for the subsequent hydrometallurgy stage. In the case of froth flotation tests, priority would be given to the application of greener reagents. Also in the scope of this WP, a cost-effective concentration device that avoid the use of water and reagents and reduce the cost associated with the physical processing of electronic waste, improving the efficiency of hydrometallurgical processes and reducing the reagent consumption will be developed.
WP4 - Hydrometallurgy - An hibryd approach
In the framework of WP4, a hybrid hydrometallurgy strategy based on the application of greener reagents (e.g. thiourea, thiosulphate, thiocyanate) that can combine the dissolution of gold form electronic waste, tailings and ores would be carefully studied. Gold hydrometallurgy process will be deeply studied to develop a more clean and eco-friendly method for the recovery of gold, with special focus in the leaching and purification stages. Furthermore, special attention will be given to assess the feasibility of recovery critical elements from electronic waste.
WP5 - Changing Public perception on mining engineering
In the framework of WP5, a communication strategy will be implemented to promote good practices and sustainable and innovative techniques that are being applied in the raw materials industry. Furthermore, simplified information for citizens and student will be prepared and disseminated to enhance the public perception regarding the raw materials industry.
WP6 - Management and Promotion Activities
WP6 includes all activities related with project management and coordination, as the follow-up of the 6 work packages, auditing the quality of work, overseeing technical and financial progress, determining the project’s progress rate and guarantee that ERA-MIN’21 strategy is properly addressed. It is also intended to prepare proper tools to facilitate communications between partners, to plan and implement general meetings, organise documents and engage relevant stakeholders.