Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB, OTC:CBBHF) is providing sustainable solutions for recycling mine waste through its unique processing technology which forms the basis of a new initiative called ReMine+.
Through this waste streams arm, COB is transforming mine waste management to extract critical battery materials, sulphur and other metals from mine waste utilising a process pioneered at its Technology Development Centre in the traditional mining stronghold of Broken Hill in Far West New South Wales.
ReMine+, an initiative headed up by COB’s business development manager Dr Helen Degeling, has the capability to transform mine waste into a valuable resource, addressing environmental concerns while creating economic opportunities and local jobs.
No longer a liability
In traditional mining value chains, mine waste such as tailings is considered a liability and this is no surprise considering that 13 billion tonnes of global mine waste is produced annually in facilities such as tailings dams.
These facilities require ongoing management to mitigate potential environmental threats from harmful sulphides while many also contain discarded metals that are important to the ‘Energy Transition’.
Dr Degeling said that employing circular economy principles redefined the liability into a valuable asset which could be recycled, repurposed or reprocessed.
“More sustainable future”
“ReMine+ offers a crucial step towards a more sustainable future, aligning with the global push for clean energy and reducing reliance on primary resource extraction.
“COB’s patented process extracts valuable metals from sulphide-bearing mine waste and simultaneously removes sulphur to minimise environmental risks associated with acid mine drainage.
“Our processing know-how allows for value creation with the opportunity to produce metals including cobalt and elemental sulphur, whilst simultaneously de-sulphidising the remaining material for more positive environmental outcomes.”
ReMine+ employs circular economy principles.
Global partnerships
By embodying the principles of the circular economy, ReMine+ offers the opportunity to re-process mine or industrial waste to deliver the following benefits:
COB’s approach with ReMine+ is collaborative with the company seeking to work with potential partners to achieve optimal outcomes for all stakeholders, the site and the broader environment.
“In developing partnerships, we understand that each ReMine+ opportunity is unique; typically interlacing rehabilitation targets, environmental liabilities and operating constraints,” Dr Degeling said.
The patented processing technology is being successfully applied to multiple sites across Australia and North America and has consistently achieved encouraging results of >90% pyrite conversion to pyrrhotite + sulphur.
Tailored solutions
By taking a site-specific approach, ReMine+ is able to tailor solutions to address the specific requirements of each project, regardless of the mineralogy or location.
Re-mining solutions can free up crucial funds for mine site rehabilitation and the commercialisation of mine waste, reducing environmental risk and bond costs.
ReMine+ can conduct feasibility studies (supported by metallurgical test-work) for evaluating waste stream potential to:
This initiative can also provide or source direct equity investment in approved projects and provide offtake for commercial products.
"We are at the forefront of mineral processing innovation, with a vision to apply that innovation to non-traditional opportunities,” Dr Degeling added.
"Our goal is ethically sourced battery metals for a sustainable world. Our approach is to find value in waste, hand-in-hand with nature-positive outcomes."