A data base, with nearly 4,000 metal sites with mining potential for W, Nb and Ta identified in Europe, has been produced and standarized to provide input to RMIS. The regulatory framework concerning the exploration of mining residues European country wise has been investigated.
The project has established the following highly efficient and multi-purpose technologies:
Pre-processing for size reduction: Electro-fragmentation, Microwave-fragmentation, Biomimetic flotation for tungsten tailings.
Extraction and recovery of W/Nb/Ta as oxides and salts: Solvoleaching coupled to non-aqueous solvent extraction (NASX), Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) Leaching coupled to IL extraction, Single-step microwave-assisted (fusion/ alkaline leaching) and solid/liquid extraction, Alkaline leaching coupled with solvent extraction, Novel electrodeposition processes for production of refractory metals/carbides, Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying (SPPS) to form W, Nb, Ta MO coatings in a slurry-solution.
In terms of extraction and recoveries, good yields have been obtained in general terms. And for the specific flowsheet validated at the pilot, the overall yield is 92%.
The sustainability assessment of the technologies during the R&D phase was performed and the best performing process (DES leaching + IL extraction) selected for the up-scale in the prototype. Finally, a benchmark of the process validated in the constructed pilot plant with conventional WO3 production routes was done and a set of technical recommendations were established from the lessons learned during pilot operation.
The basic engineering and modelling were developed from laboratory data. Afterwards the prototype was constructed, tested and validated after the assembly and commissioning. Validation of the produced Nb in steel was also accomplished. Additionally, desk work validation was performed for the W output. In both cases, the products/precursors (oxides) have been successfully produced although their level of impurities need to be improved with further investigations for a go-to-market strategy.
Communication, dissemination, exploitation and clustering activities were performed. A database with 555 possible stakeholders relevant to TARANTULA, a Data Management Plan, and a detailed Communication and Dissemination Plan were prepared. Market analysis report was produced to facilitate exploitation definition. Several events were organized with local communities to discuss the barriers and opportunities for the implementation of the TARANTULA technologies; for the high level multi stakeholder transition arena, SLO concept was discussed in 9 organized events. Workshops targeting industrial audiences were organized to increase visibility of TARANTULA’s processes and accelerate their future adoption from stakeholders along the value chain of W, Nb, Ta. Finally, TARANTULA contributed in clustering workshops with other projects/initiatives (co)organizing 9 Events and presenting TARANTULA in 11 external events. The Exploitation Plan report, includes the progress of innovations and definition of 10 KERs, and the creation of the Post-project Impact Follow-Up Committee (aiming to both keep the momentum with exploitation, communication and dissemination over a sufficient period of time after the project’s completion in order to fully achieve the desired project impact, and to investigate opportunities).
