A new article is now available on the development of a prospective LCA on FineFuture flotation technology which is a novel technology being developed to help mining industry recover valuable minerals from very fine particles which are currently being discarded as waste. The project is being carried out under European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. For more information about the project, check the following link:
The article focuses on the scope definition phase of two industrial case studies within FineFuture project. The two industrial partners are Eramet for manganese concentrate production, and Grecian Magnesite for magnesia and magnesite concentrate production.
Performing LCA for an emerging technology like FineFuture can provide better interpretation of the potential environmental impacts of the technology under development even at early Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The recommendations concluded from such study can significantly and more effectively help mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts of the technology before it is available on industrial scale as it can provide early guidance to the developers of the technology.
The article is open access and can be viewed and downloaded via the link:
https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S2212-8271(22)00070-1