Application of membrane processes in mining and mineral processing

Abstract

Sustainable mining and mineral processing is of paramount importance for producing metals needed for our society development. Membrane processes are able to contribute to the comprehensive extraction of metals from mined ores, while at the same time decrease the amounts of used water and reagents and ensure discharge to the environment of wastewater meeting the legislation requirements. Membranebased technologies are still underused in metals obtaining although their development and price have made their application affordable. The paper presents in brief membrane processes and displays examples of their application in various areas of mining and mineral processing, such as coping with acid mine drainage and mine influenced water, recovery of metals, reagents and water in hydrometallurgy, recovery of lithium from brines, and treatment of wastewater. Emphasis is placed on pressure driven membrane processes, as well as on the very recent studies in the area. Advantages of membrane processes application in mining and mineral processing are pointed out as well as constrains to be overcome.