Metals are widely used in everyday products, and the demand for critical minerals and metals is growing rapidly due to increasing electrification and connectivity. In his dissertation at LUT University, Finland, Oscar Marín Cortés from Chile has investigated strategies and methods to advance the sustainability of the mining sector. The focus is on the efficient management of energy, water, and waste.
Regarding water management, Marín proposes the use raw seawater, hypersaline water, or waste brine for mineral processing. The results of the study indicate that chlorinated solutions reduce pollution in leaching operations by increasing copper extraction and decreasing acid consumption and oxidizing reagents.
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To improve mining waste management, Marín studied the use of mine tailings for carbon dioxide sequestration and the recovery of critical materials. The results show that the mineral carbonation process is a viable solution for the mining industry to reduce its carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the reprocessing of mine tailings would help meet the high demand for critical materials, decrease the volume of discards, lower overall costs, and reduce primary ore consumption.
The study also proposes the implementation of an integrated seawater pumped-hydro reverse osmosis system – a technology that can supply mining operations with fresh water and clean energy. It enables continuous 24-hour renewable energy production, reduces continental water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and minimises the impact of brine ocean disposal. The solution is suitable for mining operations in coastal areas worldwide.
More information
Oscar Marín Cortés
oscar.marin.cortes@student.lut.fi
Marín will defend his doctoral dissertation Advancing green mining : integrating sustainable water and tailings management in the copper mining industry online on Monday 1 December at 16:00 EET.
