Recovery of Strategically Important Heavy Metals from Mining Influenced Water

Abeywickrama, Janith; Grimmer, Marlies; Hoth, Nils

doi:10.1002/9781119896920.ch2

Cited by 2 publications

References 48 publications

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Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022

Bourtsalas

2023

Preprint

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Amidst growing global apprehensions surrounding metal and mineral waste management and trade, this study aims to elucidate the patterns and impacts of such waste, focusing predominantly on the United States. Analyzing data from 2002–2022 for exports and 2008–2022 for imports, it explores state-specific trends, trade dynamics, and their environmental and economic implications. Results reveal the trade of approximately 430 million tons of materials, with 84% constituting exports. While ash, slags, and some metals exhibit a negative trade balance, commodities like Ferrous, Copper, and Aluminum waste and scrap display a notably positive trade balance. Distinct state preferences and international partnerships exist, with California and Washington emerging as leaders in exports and imports, respectively. Internationally, Turkey and China are the main recipients of U.S. exports, and Canada and South Africa are principal contributors to U.S. imports. Economic and environmental analyses reveal marginal advantages of electrorefining in metal recovery, emphasizing its environmental efficiency. Initial assessments of systems focusing on mineral recovery show negative differences, but inclusive of savings from resource extraction and waste avoidance, results are favorable. Conclusively, this study advocates for a shift in waste perception, emphasizing the need for innovative technologies, strategic policies, and international collaborations to unlock the untapped potentials in metal and mineral waste management, promoting global sustainability.

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Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022

Bourtsalas

2023

Preprint

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Resource Recovery from Abandoned Mine Drainage Galleries via Ion Exchange: A Case Study from Freiberg Mining Area, Germany

Abeywickrama,

Karimi,

Grimmer

et al. 2024

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The discharge of metal-loaded mining-influenced waters can significantly pollute downstream water bodies for many kilometers. Addressing this issue at the earliest discharge point is crucial to prevent further contamination of the natural environment. Additionally, recovering metals from these discharges and other sources of contamination can reduce the environmental impacts of mining and support the circular economy by providing secondary raw materials. This study focused on optimizing zinc recovery from mining-influenced water in the Freiberg mining region in Germany, where significant loads of zinc are released into the Elbe River. By employing pretreatment techniques, conducting 100 mL scale ion-exchange column experiments, and refining the regeneration process, we aimed to identify optimal conditions for efficient zinc removal and recovery. Initial tests showed that aminophosphonic functionalized TP 260 resin had a high affinity for aluminum, occupying 93% of the resin’s capacity, while zinc capacity was limited to 0.2 eq/L. To improve zinc recovery, selective precipitation of aluminum at pH 6.0 was introduced as a pretreatment step. This significantly increased the zinc loading capacity of the resin to 1 eq/L. Under optimal conditions, a concentrated zinc solution of 18.5 g/L was obtained with 100% recovery. Sulfuric acid proved more effective than hydrochloric acid in eluting zinc from the resin. Further analysis using SEM-EDX revealed residual acid on the resin, indicating a need for additional study on long-term resin performance and capacity variation. The research also highlighted the environmental impact of the Freiberg mining area, where three drainage galleries currently contribute nearly 85 tons of zinc annually to the Elbe River. This study underscores the feasibility of efficient zinc recovery from these point sources of pollution using advanced ion-exchange processes, contributing to circular economy efforts and environmental conservation.

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Recovery of Strategically Important Heavy Metals from Mining Influenced Water

Cited by 2 publications

References 48 publications

Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022

Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022

Resource Recovery from Abandoned Mine Drainage Galleries via Ion Exchange: A Case Study from Freiberg Mining Area, Germany

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