Economically important metal and mineral raw materials are considered “critical” when the risk of supply shortage is increased. Today, low-grade primary ores start to be cost-effectively mined, while secondary mineral materials need to be utilized in order to achieve net zero CO2 emissions.
Overall, huge efforts are underway focusing on mining and mineral waste recycling towards sustainable near-zero-waste processing of low-grade resources in the frame of circular economy. This requires a shift in business models, new policies and major improvements in cost efficient processing technologies.
The present course discusses in depth the advances made and required towards low-grade primary ore and secondary raw material mining to substantially decrease the reliance of EU to third countries for raw materials crucial for green technologies as those required for the production of battery grade metals for electric vehicles.
New processing technologies are required to efficiently treat complex low-grade ores and develop metallurgical systems by combining existing and innovative unit operations in (i) mineral processing, (ii) metal extraction, (iii) metal recovery, and (iv) matrix valorization. In addition, it is very important that aspects pertinent to (a) economic sustainability, environmental and safety impact and (b) social issues and especially public acceptance in mining / metallurgical projects are considered in order to maximize the benefits of responsible mining and operations.