IM June 2025 | Page 38

REPROCESSING & RETREATMENT

a Tier 1 engineering firm to conduct a comprehensive techno-economic study. It has also earmarked individuals with the required skills to accelerate the deployment plan. The engineering report will be completed and provide updated CAPEX, OPEX and 3D design of key equipment. EnviroGold has also updated its economic model; completed its first paid client demonstration campaigns and is advancing its downstream PLS processing strategies.

“ In just over a year, we’ ve transformed the NVRO Process™ into an optimised, engineering-scale solution that is rapidly progressing to commercialisation. Our newly established team has made material progress over the last year,” said David Cam, CEO of EnviroGold.“ Our optimisation program with Andritz has delivered meaningful improvements to projected economics, product quality, and sustainability credentials. As we move toward client demonstration campaigns and final engineering deliverables, EnviroGold is well-positioned to support a new era of‘ metals without mining’- offering incremental returns, reduced environmental impact, and strategic value for partners and shareholders.”

Europe’ s EuroTitan initiative

EuroTitan is an European-funded initiative that unites a diverse consortium committed to revolutionising sustainable titanium production. In an era where decarbonisation and resource efficiency are global megatrends moving the economy, this collaborative project aims to diversify and secure the supply chain for critical applications in aeronautics while substantially reducing environmental impact. The EuroTitan process consists of red mud reduction using decarbonising technology, producing iron and solid residue( slag). Hydrometallurgical treatment of the solid residue is carried out by an acidic dissolution at high pressure in an autoclave with a subsequent purification of the obtained solution. The last step is the production of metallic titanium or its alloys such as TiAl and TiAlV. and titanium oxide powders through reduction process.

At its core, EuroTitan is about transforming waste into value. By extracting titanium from metallurgical residuals( upcycling titanium dioxide and alumina production waste) the project pioneers ecofriendly methods that cut carbon emissions by more than 90 %. Powered by green hydrogen produced through winddriven electrolysis and electric furnaces, this innovative approach minimises energy usage and water consumption while delivering titanium metal powders at costs up to 15 % lower than imports. Machine learning plays a crucial role in optimizing

operations through real-time monitoring, ensuring that each step is as efficient and sustainable as possible. The process has already demonstrated its potential at pilot facilities in France, and the project is gearing up for full-scale industrialisation with a projected capacity of 54,000 t per year. The strength of EuroTitan lies in its extensive network of partners. In addition to Sika and ORANO, the project brings together strategic partners such as the Technische Universität Clausthal, Catura Geoprojects, SE & C, VIC, BAM, MEAB, RWTH Aachen University, NovaMechanics, METU, SAIS LAB, the University of the East Sarajevo, Ferrro Duo, Venator, LTB, Alumina doo Zvornik, EIT Raw Materials, and SMART AI Solutions. This cross-disciplinary consortium leverages deep technical expertise to develop eco-friendly extraction methods, drive down production costs, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint of titanium production.

Sika says its participation in EuroTitan reflects its unwavering commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in mining and materials processing.“ EuroTitan is more than a technological breakthrough: it represents a vital step toward an independent, greener future for European industry, setting new benchmarks for sustainable titanium production.”

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