Critical elements: opportunities for microfluidic processing and potential for ESG-powered mining investments

Abstract

Critical minerals are those containing elements, typically metals, and element allotropes such as graphite, which have an irreplaceable role in the ongoing revolution in technology and manufacturing needed to progress...

Phosphate-based polyanionic insertion materials for oxygen electrocatalysis

“…52 Recycling will not only reduce the battery waste, but also mitigate the harmful effects of mining activities as well as critical metal sustainability in our high-tech society. [53][54][55] The metallurgical way to recycle spent cathodes such as pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical approaches demand acid/alkaline leaching and cause huge greenhouse gas emissions due to high temperature and energy to smelt transition metals with toxic by-products. However, the direct repair approach is straightforward to use the cycled cathodes as such irrespective of the impurity.…”

Lab on a chip for a low-carbon future

“…134,160 For example, Yang et al 2020 developed a microfluidic screening method to predict and remediate acid mine drainage, an environmental waste product of the mining industry. 161 Even more recently, Le et al (2022) 162 applied microfluidics to investigate the performance of various solvent extraction methods for the recovery of critical minerals-minimizing the use of reactants and the time required for experiments. However, it is important to note that while LoC systems provide a fast and cost-effective way to screen multiple separation processes suitable for mineral extraction, larger-scale tests are essential for scaling up, given the limitations of LoC systems to mix fluids at small scales.…”

Science – a chess game against time

“…Le et al outlined how these flow chemistry-based processes have the potential to reduce processing time, decrease equipment footprint and increase extraction efficiency, therefore, making the processes both greener and economically more appealing. 2 Flow chemistry has already gained a lot of attention in the pharmaceutical industry. For this reason, a lot of the grunt work in the development of parts and reactors has already been done, making applications to other industries easier and faster.…”

“…Regardless, the research looks promising, and these microfluidic processes have the potential to make mining of low-quality ores not only cheaper but also safer for workers as contact with hazardous chemicals is reduced. 2…”

“…Due to its advantages in extraction efficiencies, flow chemical reactors have the prospect to extract minute amounts of elements from mine tailings and leach solutions, aiding in the recycling of industrial waste. 2…”