ReMiningPlus

Mining activities and ore processing generate huge quantities of mine tailings, which still contain significant amounts of valuable metals. In previous projects, a pilot plant for bioleaching and the extraction of valuable metals was constructed (TRL 5). Within the ReMiningPlus project, the process technology will be enhanced to establish a holistic process, which comprises the recovery of valuable metals, such as In, Zn, Pb, Cu and Co, the reuse of the solid material (e.g. as building material) as well as the immobilization of hazardous elements. The pilot plant is semi-mobile and will be located close to Freiberg at the mine tailing “Davidschachthalde” (TRL 6). Due to the unique concept, it can also be used for comparable studies at any other location.

The ReMiningPlus project demonstrates an innovative solution for the remediation of mine tailings. The pilot facility delivers detailed process data, which enable an assessment of economic and environmental aspects (life cycle assessment). Furthermore, the Ore Mountains region benefits from the project by gaining know-how about the development of pioneering technologies and the construction of advanced pilot faclities for the remediation of mining residues.