PLUS – Clean By-products from Tailings: Added Value through Novel Stabilisation and Modification Methods

Introduction

The PLUS project develops new solutions for the utilization of extractive waste, particularly mine tailings. The aim is to reduce environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency by transforming mine tailings into safe, economically viable products and raw materials.

The project addresses two key challenges limiting the utilization of mine tailings:

1. Fibrous minerals
Fibrous minerals restrict the use of tailings due to associated health and safety concerns. The project develops safe processing and stabilisation methods, while also clarifying the application of product safety legislation. This enables the safe utilization and commercialization of materials derived from tailings.

2. Low economic value
The economic value of useful minerals contained in tailings is often too low to make their utilization viable. The project investigates how mica and feldspar minerals can be separated and upgraded into higher-value materials, such as clay minerals. The environmental, economic and social impacts of these processes are assessed through life cycle analysis.

In addition, the project develops technological concepts for mineral recovery, material upgrading and the management of harmful substances. The results will generate solutions, expertise and collaboration networks that support the development of new products and services.

Partners: Sakatti Mining, Endomines, Lassila & Tikanoja, Betolar, Keko Geopolymeerit, Geomateria

The coordinator of the project: GTK

Funding authority: Business Finland

Contact person: Soili Solismaa

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