Project: Zero-waste valorisation of feldspathic ores: Green application and sustainable sourcing of strategic raw materials

Acronym	POTASSIAL (Reference Number: JTC-2021_027)
Project Topic	Feldspathic ores containing mainly K-Feldspar (KAlSi3O8 ) will be valorised by applying several hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes at which KCl, Al2O3 , and SiO2 will primarily be produced without generating any solid waste. Objective is to provide new resources for potash and alumina. Targets are to produce fertilizer-grade KCl, high purity Al2O3, synthetic SiO2 , Ca-Silicate, and SiC from one ore and to sequester CO2 on the same ore. Although there are many studies for K and Al2O3 recovery from feldspars and clays, there are no notable commercial attempt to date. Unlike the other KCl and Al2O3 production methods suggested in the literature, manufacturing KCl, Al2O3 , SiO2 , Ca-Silicate and SiC from the same ore without generating any waste is the novelty of this project. Thus, innovative aspect of the project is that feldspathic ores will be processed as a source of high value-added materials for the first time and with zero-waste approach, thus increasing the economic value ofthe proposed process. Also, CO2 sequestration capability of the feldispatic ores will also be verified to enhance the economic importance those types of resources. For increased raw materials efficiency, a novel, hybrid and zero-waste processing method will be put forward. This will be established by exploiting the ores, other than bauxite and natural potash ores, and by applying environmentally sensitive production processes. The project will unlock substantial volume of various raw materials from deposits that cannot be economically or environmentally exploited within or outside the EU through enabling the better efficiency of exploitation of raw materials’ resources and increasing the range and yields of recovered raw materials; and push Europe to the forefront in the area of raw materials processing technologies and increase availability of recovered raw material and create added value products through reducing the amounts of industrial tailings to be disposed or landfilled.
Network	ERA-MIN3
Call	ERA-MIN3 Joint Call 2021

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	İnönü University	Coordinator	Türkiye
2	Firat University	Partner	Türkiye
3	Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University	Partner	Türkiye
4	Luleå University of Technology	Partner	Sweden
5	Slovak Academy of Sciences	Partner	Slovakia
6	Eti Aluminium Inc.	Partner	Türkiye
7	Element Six Inc.	Partner	United Kingdom