New Directions in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Recycling and Waste Minimization: An EPD Symposium in Honor of Patrick R. Taylor: Keynote Session
Sponsored by: Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration, TMS Extraction and Processing Division, TMS: Pyrometallurgy Committee, TMS: Hydrometallurgy and Electrometallurgy Committee, TMS: Materials Characterization Committee, TMS: Energy Committee, TMS: Recycling and Environmental Technologies Committee
Program Organizers: Ramana Reddy, University of Alabama; Corby Anderson, Colorado School of Mines; Erik Spiller, Colorado School of Mines; Edgar Vidal, NobelClad; Camille Fleuriault, Eramet Norway; Alexandra Anderson, Gopher Resource; Mingming Zhang, Baowu Ouyeel Co. Ltd; Christina Meskers, SINTEF

Monday 8:30 AM
March 20, 2023
Room: 33C
Location: SDCC

Session Chair: Thomas Battle; Merete Tangstad, Norwegian University Of Science And Technology


8:30 AM Introductory Comments: Ramana Reddy for the introduction of Patrick Taylor Symposium

8:40 AM Introductory Comments: Chrisinta Meskers to introduce EPD Award Lecture

8:45 AM  Keynote
EPD Distinguished Award Lecture: New Directions for Biotechnology Practices in Metals Extraction: Corale Brierley1; 1Brierley Consultancy LLC
    Heap bioleaching of base metals ores, primarily chalcocite, and continuous, stirred-tank minerals biooxidation of refractory sulfidic gold concentrates have been practiced in engineered systems for some 30 years. Certainly, bioleaching has been rudimentarily practiced for much, much longer. So, where can biotechnology practices in metals extraction go from here? Biotechnology opportunities exist for in-situ bioleaching, treatment of complex ores, waste processing, reductive bioprocessing of oxidized ores, and, with currently available methodologies to genetically modify microorganisms, enhancement of metals extraction. Several of these opportunities have achieved some measure of application. For others, additional research is needed along with engineering design to apply these opportunities effectively. Demonstrating innovative biotechnologies at sufficient scale to assess technical and economic viability is essential and often challenging to undertake. Commercializing metal extraction biotechnologies can be complicated and unfortunately too often unsuccessful, particularly by small high-tech companies. These topics will be addressed.

9:25 AM  Keynote
New Directions in Decarbonization of Metals Production: Ramana Reddy1; 1University of Alabama
    Decarbonization in the energy-intensive industries is essential to meet the new emission targets by reducing the carbon footprints. The goal worldwide is to achieve new decarbonization targets to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. The power sector (39%) and transportation sector (34%) generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions. Solutions that reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint within the industry, new technologies are needed to help reinvigorate existing industries while supporting the growth and development of clean energy technologies in the United States. In this regard, new directions in development of an innovative metal production concepts that associate with increase in net energy productivity and lower carbon footprint such as in-situ production of lightweight composites and alloys are discussed. Also discussed a low temperature electrochemical intensified modular production of lightweight metals achieving energy-efficient processing by reducing process steps and developing alternate production pathways.

10:05 AM Break

10:25 AM  Keynote
Development of Ironmaking Technology by the Direct Gaseous Reduction of Iron Concentrate: Hong Yong Sohn1; 1University of Utah
    A novel ironmaking process that produces iron directly from iron concentrate without requiring pelletization/sintering and cokemaking has been developed. This process takes advantage of the high reactivity of the concentrate particles and will significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with current processes. The process of the development from the conception of the idea, to kinetic feasibility establishment, and to the operation of a prototype facility will be discussed. The prototype reactor operation has validated the design concept in terms of heat supply and residence time, and identified technical hurdles. When operated with hydrogen, the new technology would use up to 60% less energy in the ironmaking step with little carbon dioxide emissions compared with the average blast furnace process. When operated with natural gas, the novel technology is expected to decrease the energy consumption by up to 44%, and will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 51%.

11:05 AM  Keynote
Domestic Strategic & Critical Metal & Material Production With NSC & ASL Hydrometallurgical Technologies.: Corby Anderson1; 1Colorado School of Mines
    The need for domestic high quality Strategic & Critical Metal and Material production is growing rapidly as the global Renewable Energy transformation occurs. Hydrometallurgy innately offers enhanced separations for efficiently creating these. The author has intellectual property and industrial experience in two key applied hydrometallurgical technologies that can readily address this domestic challenge. These are Nitrogen Species Catalyzed (NSC) and Alkaline Sulfide Leaching (ASL). This presentation will elucidate the history and fundamentals of these proven industrial technologies. Further, specific applications to domestic production of Strategic & Critical Metals and Materials from both primary and recycled sources will be detailed and based upon 35 years of focused development and application by the Author.