Viscaria aims to recycle as much process water as possible – to secure its water supply and reduce environmental impact.
In the flotation process, chemicals such as xanthates are used to separate metals in the concentrator.
In cold and dark northern conditions, these chemicals break down slowly and may remain in the water system. Today, there are no active degradation methods in Swedish mines – only natural processes that depend on sunlight and temperature.
To ensure sustainable operations and meet environmental permit requirements, Viscaria is now exploring new ways to accelerate this breakdown process.
Viscaria is looking for ideas that could help:
– Techniques that degrade xanthates or related by-products
– Methods for measuring or verifying degradation on site
– Solutions adapted to cold-climate operations
Do you have a idea for a solution?
Submit your idea here below.
If you want to know more about this case, contact Erik Hagenrud, project manager for the SME Network.
