Integrated innovative metallurgical system to benefit efficiently polymetallic, complex and low grade ores and concentrates

Objective

The INTMET approach represents a unique technological breakthrough to overcome the limitations related to difficult low grade and complex ores to achieve high efficient recovery of valuable metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag) and CRM (Co, In, Sb). Main objective of INTMET is applying on-site mine-to-metal hydroprocessing of the produced concentrates enhancing substantially raw materials efficiency thanks to increase Cu+Zn+Pb recovery over 60% vs. existing selective flotation. 3 innovative hydrometallurgical processes (atmospheric, pressure and bioleaching), and novel more effective metals extraction techniques (e.g. Cu/Zn-SX-EW, chloride media, MSA, etc) will be developed and tested at relevant environment aiming to maximise metal recovery yield and minimising energy consumption and environmental footprint. Additionally secondary materials like tailings and metallurgical wastes will be tested as well for metals recovery and sulphur valorisation. The technical, environmental and economic feasibility of the entire approaches will be evaluated to ensure a real business solution of the integrated INTMET process.
INTMET will be economically viable thanks to diversification of products (Cu, Zn, Pb), high-profitable solution (producing commodities not concentrates), with lower operation and environmental costs (on-site hydroprocessing will avoid transport to smelters) and allowing mine-life extension developing a new business-model concept based on high efficient recovery of complex ores that will ensure EU mining industry competitiveness and employment.
INTMET is fully aligned with EIP-RM validated in the PolymetOre Commitment where most of INTMET partners take part on and the market up-take solutions are guaranteed by an exploitation from industrially-driven consortia composed by 3 Mines, 2 SMEs (AGQ -waste&water tech provider; MINPOL -policy & exploitation expert), 2 tech providers (OUTOTEC and TR) and 5 complementary RTD´s with expertise in leaching and recovery metals processing

Field of science

• /social sciences/economics and business/business and management/commerce
• /social sciences/economics and business
• /social sciences/economics and business/business and management/employment
• /engineering and technology/environmental biotechnology/bioremediation/bioleaching
• /social sciences/social and economic geography/transport
• /natural sciences/chemical sciences/inorganic chemistry/metals

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.3.5.3. - Ensuring the sustainable supply of non-energy and non-agricultural raw materials

Topic(s)

• SC5-11e-2015 - New metallurgical systems

Call for proposal

H2020-SC5-2015-one-stage
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (12)