SOLVOMET/SIM² researchers have successfully demonstrated a hydrometallurgical flowsheet for upgrading ferronickel (Class-II nickel) into battery grade nickel (Class-I nickel) in a mini-pilot SX facility.

Full programme for ICHS 2024 is out (First International Symposium on Circular Hydrometallurgy, Mechelen, Belgium, 9-11 September 2024).

This study by HiTemp researchers from SIM² KU Leuven explores chlorination roasting as a method for recovering lithium from Li-containing slag, which is a promising alternative lithium source obtained from pyrometallurgical LIB recycling process.

In the framework of the SULTAN project, researchers from VITO and KU Leuven collaborated on developing an innovative solvometallurgical leaching method for extracting lead from zinc calcine and zinc leaching residue materials.

SOLVOMET's LiCl to LiOH patented conversion process has now been validated in counter-current mode using a rotary agitated Kühni extraction column. The use of a column instead of mixer-settlers reduced the CO2 uptake by the final product.

In this op-ed, published in De Tijd (13 January 2024), Peter Tom Jones argues that, in a time of protectionism, Europe needs to undergo reindustrialization, including state aid. Resource nationalism is forcing us towards a mining renaissance.

“Make no mistake. The tsunami of cheap, subsidised Chinese Electric Vehicles is coming. Europe seems to have been sleepwalking into an abyss.”, that’s the opening statement of SIM²’s new documentary “The Nordic challenge: from mine to Electric Vehicle” in collaboration with the ENICON and EXCEED EU projects.

Binnemans & Jones published a new position paper in JSM: “Ionic Liquids and Deep-Eutectic Solvents in Extractive Metallurgy: Mismatch Between Academic Research and Industrial Applicability”. Here we publish some testimonials.

Koen Binnemans was awarded a second ERC Advanced Grant for his CIRMET project: Circular Hydrometallurgy for Energy-Transition. SIM² provides a sneak preview of what you can expect in CIRMET in this open-hearted interview.

Following a 25-year VP-level career at Umicore, Ben Gilliams has decided to make a remarkable career switch. On January 9, Ben started as Senior Valorisation Director at SOLVOMET ISC, one of SIM² KU Leuven’s innovation flagships.