Urban mining

Urban mining is defined as  the set of processes and activities related to the production of secondary raw materials from urban solid waste. These projects are focused on the recovery of critical raw materials from solid waste and wastewater generated in cities by human living style. These projects aimed at developing novel chemical processes in aqueous media for extraction and separation of materials, including (but not restricted to) leaching, electrodialysis (membraned-based electrochemical separation), solvent extraction, ion exchange resins, precipitation, and crystallization. The focus is on creating outstanding processes and decreasing the dependence on mining towards a circular economy. Aqueous processing also addresses bio-processing, including bioleaching and biosorption/bioseparation.

1. Li-ion battery recycling

2. LEDs

3. Photovoltaic panels

4. Wind turbine magnets

5. Ammonium and phosphate for fertilizer production 

6. Printed circuit boards (PCBs)

All projects meet Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations.