INN4MIN PROJECT

INN4MIN intends to implement a strict I&D methodology to promote best practices in the recovery of gold from ore deposits (primary resources) and printed circuit boards PCBs (secondary resources), supported by a technological monitoring plan. Innovative methods will be investigated, having as main drivers the reduction of environmental impacts, improvement of mineral processing efficiency and promotion of good practices in the mining industry. Ore deposits are becoming poorer and more complex. PCBs exhibit a high gold content, but their availability cannot be consistent to justify the investment on a processing plant. In line with this, INN4MIN will focus on the following topics: study of innovative comminution techniques to increase gold liberation from complex ores; use of greener reagents in the froth flotation and leaching stages; development of a cost-effective device to remove sterile material from the PCBs; design a hybrid hydrometallurgical approach for gold processing from ores and PCBs; recovery of critical elements during the hydrometallurgy of gold; improve the public perception regarding the mining industry.