FineFuture
The FineFuture project researches new ways to exploit the recovery of fine particle fractions in metalliferous raw materials. Separating very fine particles is important for the valorization of multiple mineral resources, for example nickel, kaolin, feldspar, talc and magnesite. With a particular focus on froth flotation, the project aims at enabling the development of groundbreaking technologies in the raw materials sector.
Innovative technologies and concepts for the recovery of ultra fine particles
Froth flotation is arguably the most important mineral separation technique. By making use of differences in surface properties between minerals, valuable particles are concentrated in large tanks by attaching to bubbles, which form a froth phase that overflows as a mineral-rich concentrate. However, current flotation technologies do not work adequately for fine particles, below 20 μm in size. This is a serious challenge at present limiting the exploitation of deposits and proper recycling of end of life products containing Critical Raw Materials. This FineFuture project will advance the fundamental understanding of fine particle flotation phenomena, which will lead to the development of novel technological solutions.
Coordinator of the project is the HZDR, which participates with the Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the HIF. HZDR researchers are investigating innovative technologies for exploration, processing, metallurgy and recycling. Particular emphasis is on novel measurement technologies on all relevant length scales, combined with numerical modelling and on high technology metals like indium, gallium, germanium and rare earth elements.
Project title:
Innovative technologies and concepts for fine particle flotation: unlocking future fine-grained deposits and Critical Raw Materials resources for the EU
Official website:
Project partners:
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
- BASF SE
- KGHM
- Maelgwyn Mineral Services Limited
- Grecian Magnesite Mining Industrial Shipping and Commercial Company Societe
Anonyme - ERAMET Research
- Magnesitas Navarras SA
- Industrial Minerals Association – Europe
- Université de Lorraine
- Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
- ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI
- Instytut Metali Nieżelaznych
- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
- Istanbul Technical University
Duration:
10.06.2019 - 31.05.2022
Funding:
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 821265 |