BATTERFLAI

Supply of Battery minerals using lignin nanoparticles as flotation collectors

Project team: Paul Christakopoulos (project leader), July Ann Bazar, Katerina Hruzova, Leonidas Matsakas, Ulrika Rova

Duration: 2019-2023

Funded by EU-EIT Raw Materials

The primary objective of BATTERFLAI, coordinated by LTU, is to establish a sustainable European battery minerals value chain through the development of innovative green technologies and enhanced resource efficiency in mineral and metallurgical processes. In BATTERFLAI we will develop a sustainable, low-carbon footprint, biodegradable, and efficient flotation process for the recovery of battery metals. By leveraging abundant lignocellulosic resources, the project aims to develop environmentally friendly flotation reagents that ensure a secure supply and high quality of collectors, crucial for the smooth operation of mines. These novel collectors are boasting unique properties, particularly in their ability to suppress iron during flotation and selective recovery of battery base metals, such as Cu, Ni, Co, and Au from sulphide iron ores.

The project has a strong scientific base, with key research partners including LTU, RISE Research Institute of Sweden, and the National Technical University of Athens. The project is organized along the value chain through collaboration with Boliden AB, KGHM Cuprum, KGHM Polska Miedz S.A., Hellas Gold, Colloidtek, IMN, and LTU Business. The partnership supports the scaling up of an efficient and selective green flotation concept, contributing to the expansion of the circular economy and fostering new business opportunities in battery minerals extraction and processing, within and beyond Europe.