Industrial Symbiosis in the Mineral Sector
The FREECOVER project continues to explore innovative approaches to resource efficiency and circular economy through knowledge exchange and dissemination activities.
On 17 April 2026, a webinar organised under the LIAISE COST Action focused on Industrial Symbiosis in the Mineral Sector, bringing together experts working on cutting-edge solutions for sustainable resource management.
This activity was followed and reported by Shariefah Darries (SITES), contributing to FREECOVER’s ongoing monitoring of relevant initiatives and best practices.
🔋 From Waste to Energy Storage
One of the key highlights was the presentation by Steven Frigerio, introducing an innovative long-duration energy storage system based on pumped hydro technology.
The solution uses high-density fluids derived from mining waste (barite), enabling energy storage even in locations without large elevation differences. This approach demonstrates how industrial by-products can be transformed into functional materials for renewable energy systems.
♻️ E-Waste Meets Mining Waste: A Symbiotic Approach
Ersin Yazici (Karadeniz Technical University) presented a novel hydrometallurgical process combining:
- E-waste (urban mining)
- Pyritic tailings (industrial waste)
This galvanic leaching approach significantly improves copper recovery rates—from around 14% to nearly 79%—while reducing the need for costly chemical reagents.
The concept illustrates a powerful example of dual-waste valorisation, aligning closely with FREECOVER’s circular economy objectives.
🏭 Unlocking High-Purity Quartz from Mining Waste
Andrii Cherep introduced an industrial symbiosis model for producing high-purity quartz (HPQ) from mining residues in Ukraine.
By applying advanced processing techniques such as:
- Magnetic separation
- Acid leaching
these waste streams can be upgraded to meet the stringent requirements of solar PV, semiconductor, and optics industries.
This highlights the strategic potential of secondary raw materials in reducing dependency on limited global supply chains.
🌍 Key Takeaways for FREECOVER
Across all presentations, a common message emerged:
- Waste is not a liability—it is a resource
- Cross-sector collaboration is essential
- Scaling solutions requires policy support and market frameworks
The webinar reinforces FREECOVER’s mission to develop sustainable, circular solutions for material recovery and reuse, particularly in the context of critical raw materials.
