Field-Scale Validation of Electrokinetic in Situ Recovery of Metals from Tailings Waste

The Challenge

Globally, mining generates over 10 billion tonnes of tailings material annually. While storage of this material poses long-term environmental and geotechnical risks, tailings can also represent a significant potential metal resource. The challenge is to recover these metals with minimal further disturbance, creating a value opportunity from material that has been traditionally treated as an industry liability.

Proposed Solution

Based on a previously established proof of concept, this project will advance the employment of electrokinetics for the direct recovery of valuable metals from tailings dams without the need for excavation. The trial technology involves installation of electrodes and the application of electric fields to drive a lixiviant (leaching agent) through the low-permeability tailings material, liberating metals that are subsequently transported toward designated recovery points for collection and processing.

Proposed Benefits to WA

The project could pave the way to unlocking significant economic and environmental benefits for WA and beyond through the development and commercialisation of EK-ISR for tailings material. Widespread application of EK-ISR could increase the state’s mineral resource base and generate new revenue streams for both mining companies and the state.

Funding DOI

DOI: 10.71342\100632042624