Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

An Exploration of Key Concepts in Application of In Situ Processes for Recovery of Resources from High-volume Industrial and Mine Wastes

Sinnett, Danielle; Sapsford, Devin; Crane, Richard

Authors

Devin Sapsford

Richard Crane



Contributors

Lynne E Macaskie
Editor

Devin J Sapsford
Editor

Will M Mayes
Editor

Abstract

This chapter presents a synthesis of key concepts concerning the potential application of in situ leaching processes for direct and indirect resource recovery (with emphasis on metals) from wastes. The global stocks of industrial and mining wastes (IMWs) run into the billions of tonnes and will continue to accumulate in response to unabating global economic growth and consumption. Circular economy (CE) discourse to date generally emphasises recycling of post-consumer goods rather than resource recovery from IMWs even though they comprise very large, albeit dilute, stocks of metals. Because the metal contents of many of these wastes are (by definition) lower than corresponding ore grades, greater energy (or exergy) expenditure is required to win metals from these sources. Since the majority of metal recovery processes are driven by fossil fuels, this also implies greater carbon footprints and other detrimental consequences to natural capital. Thus, the application of conventional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes for recovering metals from wastes must be closely scrutinised with respect to sustainability. More energy efficient processes and/or those that utilise non-fossil energy are required. Herein we explore key concepts in the potential application of low-intensity in situ leaching processes.

Citation

Sinnett, D., Sapsford, D., & Crane, R. (2019). An Exploration of Key Concepts in Application of In Situ Processes for Recovery of Resources from High-volume Industrial and Mine Wastes. In L. E. Macaskie, D. J. Sapsford, & W. M. Mayes (Eds.), Resource Recovery from Wastes: Towards a Circular Economy (141 - 167). Royal Society of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/9781788016353

Acceptance Date Aug 1, 2019
Online Publication Date Oct 31, 2019
Publication Date 2019
Deposit Date Oct 25, 2019
Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry
Pages 141 - 167
Series Title Green Chemistry Series
Book Title Resource Recovery from Wastes: Towards a Circular Economy
ISBN 9781788013819
DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/9781788016353
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/4103531
Publisher URL https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/ebook/978-1-78801-381-9