Towards a sustainable minerals and metals industry: ZERO bauxite residue and ZERO CO2 through co-production of alumina, silica, and precipitated calcium carbonate using the Aranda–Mastin technology
- Acronym: AlSiCal
- Start date: 01/09/2019
- Duration: 48 months
- Funding programme: H2020-SC5-2018-2
- Total budget: €5.9 M
- HSGME budget: €105,000
The AlSiCal project is an ambitious research and innovation initiative aimed at boosting the sustainability and environmental performance of the mining and metallurgical industries. It investigates and advances the pioneering, patented Aranda–Mastin (AM) process, which enables the simultaneous production of three key raw materials—alumina, SiO2, and CaCO3—from new raw material sources (e.g., anorthosite), while generating no by-products or waste (ZERO WASTE).
Conventional alumina production from bauxite using the Bayer process generates large volumes of solid waste (red mud) and releases substantial CO2 emissions. The innovative AM technology under development will:
- enable the “green co-production” of three essential raw materials in a single process from a single mineral feedstock, delivering environmental and economic benefits;
- promote efficient use of anorthosite, a mineral abundant in Europe and globally;
- capture and utilize the CO2 produced, targeting net-zero emissions to the atmosphere;
- achieve zero waste generation by offering an alternative to bauxite in alumina production.
Partners: 16 organizations from 9 countries, including:
Norway
INSTITUTT FOR ENERGITEKNIKK – INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY (IFE) PROJECT COORDINATOR
IFE is an independent foundation and one of the world’s foremost research communities on energy, located in Halden and Kjeller. IFE has developed unique skills over 70 years of world-leading researchers and outstanding international projects in our laboratories. At IFE we look into materials and industrial processes in new, sustainable ways.
Norway
NORDIC MINING
Nordic Mining is a resource company with focus on high-end industrial minerals and metals in Norway and internationally. Its project portfolio is of high international standard and holds a significant economic potential. Its assets are in the Nordic region.
Greece
ADVANCED MINERALS AND RECYCLING INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
AdMiRIS is a growing consulting company in Greece, offering industrial solutions with focus in materials mining, mineral processing, metallurgy, nanotechnology, recycling industries, metallic and industrial minerals. Its activity focus on research development, bridging the gap between fundamental/applied research and real market needs by transferring technology from academia to industry, with continuous interaction among leading universities and industries.
Belgium
EUROPEAN ALUMINIUM ASSOCIATION
European Aluminium, founded in 1981, is the association that represents the whole value chain of the aluminium industry in Europe. We actively engage with decision-makers and the wider stakeholder community to promote the outstanding properties of aluminium, secure growth and optimise the contribution our metal can make to meeting Europe’s sustainability challenges.
Norway
HEROYA INDUSTRIPARK
Herøya Industripark is one of the leading industrial parks in Norway where more than 80 different companies are located. Herøya Industripark owns land, buildings and vital infrastructure which are leased out to operators on long term lease contracts. The companies have their activities in process chemistry, engineering, R&D and different support and maintenance services.
Spain
UNIVERSIDAD DE ZARAGOZA
The University of Zaragoza is the main centre of technological innovation in the Ebro Valley and has great prestige among the group of both Spanish and European universities it has relations with (https://www.unizar.es/). Our aim is to achieve professional integration of our students with training throughout life in a university that has almost five centuries of history, but has continued to invest in innovation and service to society.
Denmark
AALBORG UNIVERSITET
AAU offers education and research within natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, technical and health sciences. It has almost 3,000 employees and more than 14,000 students and is characterised by a combination of engagement in local, regional, and national issues and a commitment to international collaboration.
Greece
MYTILINEOS S.A.
MYTILINEOS holds a leading position in the sectors of Metallurgy, EPC, Electric Power and Gas Trading in Greece and has significant operations abroad. Through its industrial, energy and environmental investments in the industrial complex of ALUMINIUM OF GREECE in Agios Nikolaos, Viotia, one of the single largest investments ever to be carried out in Greece, MYTILINEOS has established itself as one of the strongest players in the Metallurgy sector in the European Union.
Greece
NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS - NTUA
NTUA is the oldest and most prestigious technical educational institution in Greece. NTUA is actively participating in many national and international research and development projects. NTUA reached 10th place in 2010 between educational organizations and 3rd position on Networking Rank and is a Partner in EIT Raw Materials.
Spain
ASOCIACION DE SERVICIOS DE GEOLOGIA Y MINERIA IBEROAMERICANOS
Asociación de Servicios de Geología y Minería Iberoamericanos (Association of Iberoamerican Geological and Mining Surveys, ASGMI), is the organisation of the Geological Surveys of Latin-America, the national institutions responsible for the geological inventory, monitoring, knowledge and research for the security health and prosperity of the Latin-American society.
Israel
ASHER VITNER LTD
AVLabs is a research laboratory of innovation. The lab provides Research and Development services in material chemistry related projects. The laboratory scientists and researchers support our customer research and development needs from scientific innovations to applied solutions.
Norway
ELKEM
Founded in 1904, Elkem is one of the world’s leading suppliers of silicon-based advanced materials with operations throughout the value chain from quartz to specialty silicones, as well as attractive market positions in specialty ferrosilicon alloys and carbon materials.
South Africa
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG – CIMERA
DSI-NRF CIMERA is a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis funded by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. It is hosted by the University of Johannesburg under Directorship of Prof Nikki Wagner and co-hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand under co-directorship of Prof Judith Kinnaird.
France
INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE TOULOUSE
The “Laboratoire de Génie Chimique” stands among the biggest research units in the field of chemical engineering in France (with about 300 collaborators). It is a joint research unit of Toulouse INP, CNRS, and Paul Sabatier University. It is specialized in the study and design of chemical, physical or biological processes to transform raw materials into a final product.
Netherlands
PNO CONSULTANTS
PNO Consultants is part of the PNO group. The PNO Group, established in 1984, is Europe’s largest independent Grants and Innovation Management advisory, providing support services to private and public organizations in innovation processes, technology transfer and funding for R&D&I.
Greece
HELLENIC SURVEY OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL EXPLORATION
Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration is the successor of the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME) of Greece and functions as governmental advisor on geoscientific and mining issues.
