Large amounts of valuable critical metals are currently stranded in tailings dams. Electrokinetic in situ recovery (EK-ISR) provides a potential pathway to cost effectively extracting these metals in situ and via a fully electrified and carbon-neutral process. For this process to be accepted by stakeholders and regulators highly efficient and environmentally benign lixiviants are critical.
Description: This PhD project aims to discover and optimise green lixiviants for electrokinetic in situ recovery (EK-ISR) of metals from tailings, focusing on deep eutectic solvents. The goal is to develop environmentally friendly lixiviants that improve the efficiency and sustainability of metal extraction.
Benefits: The development of green lixiviants will enable more sustainable recovery of valuable metals from tailings, reducing environmental impact and supporting the mining industry’s transition to greener practices. This research aligns with Australia’s environmental goals and enhances the country’s reputation for sustainable mining innovations
