CoTec, a Canadian resource extraction and processing company, has announced a groundbreaking long-term agreement with Salter Cyclones to enhance the recovery of valuable metals from both primary mining and tailings material. This collaboration aims to leverage Salter Cyclones’ advanced multi-gravity separator technology to extract high-grade iron and manganese concentrates from ultra-fine tailings, all without the use of chemicals.
Salter Cyclones has long employed its multi-gravity separator technology to recover valuable minerals such as tin, chromium, copper, and zinc. However, its application to bulk commodities like iron and manganese has been limited until now, as noted in a press release shared by the Canadian Mining Journal. This innovative approach is expected to significantly reduce waste materials from mining operations while supporting a more sustainable and circular economy.
Revolutionizing Metal Recovery
The multi-gravity separator technology operates similarly to traditional shaking tables, but with a unique twist. The horizontal surface is wrapped into a conical drum that rotates rapidly, creating an enhanced gravitational field. This allows for the recovery of fine particles smaller than 100 micrometers, which would typically remain in the tailings waste.
Ian Daniels, managing director of Salter Cyclones, emphasized the effectiveness of this technology:
“Our MGS technology is highly effective at processing ultra-fine tailings material to achieve saleable grade concentrates without the need for chemicals.”
This statement underscores the potential for this technology to transform waste into valuable resources, aligning with global efforts to reduce mining waste and promote sustainability.
Supporting a Low-Carbon Economy
The extraction of iron and manganese is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically significant. Iron, which constitutes about 5% of the Earth’s crust, is a crucial component in steel production—a material essential for infrastructure projects worldwide. Meanwhile, manganese plays a vital role in the steel industry, enhancing strength and removing impurities, and is also a key component in lithium-ion batteries.
By recovering these metals from waste, CoTec and Salter Cyclones are reducing the need for new mining projects, thereby supporting the growing low-carbon economy. Batteries, which rely on these metals, are central to the expansion of sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
Implications and Future Prospects
The implications of this collaboration extend beyond immediate environmental benefits. Julian Treger, CEO of CoTec, highlighted the strategic importance of these developments:
“Our initial due diligence of the MGS has produced exciting results from our Lac Jeannine Project in Québec, Canada achieving concentrate grades of critical mineral status from ultra-fine iron tailings. We plan to build on these results in the coming months supporting CoTec’s strategy to become a leading supplier of high-grade, low-carbon, iron concentrate through the processing of tailings material.”
Such initiatives are part of a broader trend toward sustainable resource management. Similar projects have been launched globally, including efforts to reclaim valuable rare earth elements from coal ash in the United States. These efforts not only contribute to a greener future but also ensure the efficient use of existing resources.
As CoTec and Salter Cyclones continue to develop their partnership, the mining industry may witness a shift towards more sustainable practices, potentially setting new standards for resource extraction and waste management. The success of this venture could inspire further innovations in the field, promoting a balance between industrial growth and environmental stewardship.
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