OUR TECHNOLOGY
ELECTROKINETIC IN SITU RECOVERY
Electrokinetic in situ recovery (EK-ISR) is a novel mining technology aimed at recovering metals from ore deposits, without physical excavation or fracking, by instead using an applied electric field
HOW DOES IT WORK
EK-ISR uses an electric field instead of hydraulic gradients to stimulate the transport of ions, i.e., electrodes of opposite polarity (anodes and cathodes) replace the injection and recovery wells used by conventional in situ recovery (ISR).
Under the influence of the electric field that is established between the electrodes, a mixture of specific ions (the lixiviant) can be released and transported across the ore body by a process called electromigration. During transport selected ions will react with the minerals in the ore (mineral dissolution) and release the targeted metals, which then form charged metal complexes. These charged complexes continue to be transported by electromigration towards the other electrode, where they can be recovered for further downstreaming processing.
TARGET ELEMENTS
We currently target the recovery of several key critical elements necessary for the green transition
Cu
Copper
Au
Gold
Ag
Silver
Ni
Nickel
Co
Cobalt
REEs
Rare Earth Elements
Li
Lithium
Successfully recovered
Recovery planned in future experiments
TARGETED EXTRACTION
Using specifically designed lixiviants, we can selectively target the recovery of one or more critical metals from a wide range of typical ore deposits. As the technology relies on electric fields, it is also highly suitable to low-permeability media, including tailings, clays and intact rocks.
ZERO WASTE
The only physical process necessary for mining is the drilling of boreholes to house the electrodes.
During operation no dewatering is required, no waste rock or tailings is generated, no dust or noise is produced creating one of the safest mining methods for the environment and surrounding communities.
GROUNDWATER IMPACTS
EK-ISR will naturally only be applied in media that have an extremely low hydraulic conductivity and where solutes are effectively immobile. This implies that environmental risks will be extremely low, especially compared to conventional ISR operations. Furthermore, where needed, the EK-ISR setup allows to establish post-mining geochemical conditions that prevents off-site migration of solutes.
100% ELECTRIC PROCESS
EK-ISR is entirely electric and highly suitable to work with intermittent energy sources such as solar PV or wind turbines. It also seamlessly integrates with any hydrometallurgical extraction plant already in operation.
