Processes governing semi-metal - PGE linkage in crustal magmatic systems: opportunities for discovery and recovery
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Geology
Abstract
A low carbon future for the UK depends on new and evolving technologies such as solar power and hydrogen fuel cells; these in turn are reliant on rare raw materials previously only mined in small quantities such as tellurium (Te), selenium (Se) and platinum group elements (PGE) - so called "E-tech" elements. However, at present there is considerable risk of supply shortages as the PGE can currently only be mined economically in a few countries; Te and Se are by-products of other commodities and supply risk is compounded by the historical lack of demand and an informal market ill-prepared for the predicted demand surge. Our research will tackle the security of supply of these E-tech elements by improving: i) our understanding of the processes that govern how and where these elements are concentrated in the Earth's crust; and ii) our ability to recover them with minimal environmental impact and economic cost.
To do this we are taking advantage of their behaviour in the crust - the PGE are sulphur-loving, so readily concentrate in sulphide melts in magma bodies and form minerals with sulphur, whereas Se and Te also concentrate in sulphide melts, but become sulphur-replacers in minerals. Thus their behaviour and occurrence in natural systems are strongly controlled by the same processes; in fact Te and Se may be as important as sulphur in determining PGE behaviour, which leads to differences in the actual mineralogy of the ores. This then affects how they can be best processed in order to minimise energy usage and environmental impact.
We propose to bring together researchers and industrial partners from academia, mining, mineral exploration, processing, solar panel production and fuel cell design, with the driving principle that better understanding the linkage between semi-metals and PGE in magmas will:
a) provide new insight into the key processes that determine the cycling and concentration of Te, Se and PGEs in and through crustal systems;
b) better quantify crustal fluxes and processes affecting sulphur (fractionation, contamination, melt immiscibility and volatile loss) and the related sulphur-loving elements;
c) enable the development of existing and novel ore processing techniques to improve recovery of combined semi-metal and PGE, whilst mitigating the environmental footprint of extraction and processing.
To do this we are taking advantage of their behaviour in the crust - the PGE are sulphur-loving, so readily concentrate in sulphide melts in magma bodies and form minerals with sulphur, whereas Se and Te also concentrate in sulphide melts, but become sulphur-replacers in minerals. Thus their behaviour and occurrence in natural systems are strongly controlled by the same processes; in fact Te and Se may be as important as sulphur in determining PGE behaviour, which leads to differences in the actual mineralogy of the ores. This then affects how they can be best processed in order to minimise energy usage and environmental impact.
We propose to bring together researchers and industrial partners from academia, mining, mineral exploration, processing, solar panel production and fuel cell design, with the driving principle that better understanding the linkage between semi-metals and PGE in magmas will:
a) provide new insight into the key processes that determine the cycling and concentration of Te, Se and PGEs in and through crustal systems;
b) better quantify crustal fluxes and processes affecting sulphur (fractionation, contamination, melt immiscibility and volatile loss) and the related sulphur-loving elements;
c) enable the development of existing and novel ore processing techniques to improve recovery of combined semi-metal and PGE, whilst mitigating the environmental footprint of extraction and processing.
Planned Impact
Our research covers three main areas in terms of impact, outside of the scientific community. These can be summarised within the 'discovery', 'recovery', and 'end user' categories.
In terms of discovery, future supply of PGEs are threatened by the limited geographical occurrence of economic deposits, with around 90% of production coming from South Africa, Russia and Zimbabwe, whereas Se and Te are limited to recovery as minor by-products of other commodities (chiefly copper porphyries), and are not explicit exploration targets. Both element groups have low crustal abundances, further complicating their discovery.
In terms of recovery, around 3% of the world's energy (up to 7% in Australia, and over 10% in Chile) is used in the extraction and processing of rocks. Any advances in geometallurgical understanding can have significant cost and energy savings in mineral processing.
In terms of end use, the semi metals Te and Se, and the PGE are vital for sustaining and building low carbon energy and transport infrastructure. Primary end-users of Te, Se and PGE are the producers of photovoltaic cells and automotive catalytic convertors and fuel cells. These end-users are the ultimate target of the Security of Supply initiative.
Therefore, the main beneficiaries of this research will be:
1. Companies currently exploring for PGE and/or semi metal ores.
This research will provide information on: (1) the occurrence of PGEs and semi-metals in crustal systems; (2) the distribution and preferred concentration of those elements within minerals as framework and substitution elements; and (3) process-based predictive models for the discovery of prospects for the mining of PGE and semi-metals on a wide geographical basis. Sound scientific understanding of the natural deposits of these resources is essential in developing sustainable supply through the discovery of new deposits and cost and energy efficient exploration
2. Mining companies currently extracting and processing PGE and/or semi metal ores.
In helping to identify key metallurgical characteristics of these platinum ores, the research directly impacts on recovery and processing strategies, and contributes towards enhancing the efficiency, performance and economic prosperity of the companies involved. By enhancing efficiency, this also reduces the environmental impact of mineral processing in terms of energy, resources and costs. Furthermore, the development of novel extraction methods, such as non-hydrous ionic liquids helps to reduce carbon emissions (embedded within pyrometallurgical processing such as smelting) and water usage (embedded within hydrometallurgical processing such as cyanidation/solvent-extraction electro-winning)
3. Companies that refine and market the PGE, Te and Se for green energy end-products
Potential impacts to end-users are that future supply issues are eased; processing can be designed to deliver product in the most amenable form and most efficient manner to end-users; and that networks with producers (from Discovery and Recovery) are built and facilitate knowledge exchange regarding projections of supply and demand.
We will ensure impact is delivered across these groups during the catalyst by using the Environmental Sustainability KTN, trade associations (such as the British Photovoltaic Association and the Selenium-Tellurium Development Association) and topical publications (e.g. Metal Bulletin, Mining Magazine, Platinum Metals Review) to disseminate review articles, invite additional partners and promote awareness of the SoS initiative. We plan to work closely with organisations such as the Mineral Industry Research Organisation and AMIRA International, collaborative research and technological development facilitators that will expand the range of links between our consortium and industrial partners.
In terms of discovery, future supply of PGEs are threatened by the limited geographical occurrence of economic deposits, with around 90% of production coming from South Africa, Russia and Zimbabwe, whereas Se and Te are limited to recovery as minor by-products of other commodities (chiefly copper porphyries), and are not explicit exploration targets. Both element groups have low crustal abundances, further complicating their discovery.
In terms of recovery, around 3% of the world's energy (up to 7% in Australia, and over 10% in Chile) is used in the extraction and processing of rocks. Any advances in geometallurgical understanding can have significant cost and energy savings in mineral processing.
In terms of end use, the semi metals Te and Se, and the PGE are vital for sustaining and building low carbon energy and transport infrastructure. Primary end-users of Te, Se and PGE are the producers of photovoltaic cells and automotive catalytic convertors and fuel cells. These end-users are the ultimate target of the Security of Supply initiative.
Therefore, the main beneficiaries of this research will be:
1. Companies currently exploring for PGE and/or semi metal ores.
This research will provide information on: (1) the occurrence of PGEs and semi-metals in crustal systems; (2) the distribution and preferred concentration of those elements within minerals as framework and substitution elements; and (3) process-based predictive models for the discovery of prospects for the mining of PGE and semi-metals on a wide geographical basis. Sound scientific understanding of the natural deposits of these resources is essential in developing sustainable supply through the discovery of new deposits and cost and energy efficient exploration
2. Mining companies currently extracting and processing PGE and/or semi metal ores.
In helping to identify key metallurgical characteristics of these platinum ores, the research directly impacts on recovery and processing strategies, and contributes towards enhancing the efficiency, performance and economic prosperity of the companies involved. By enhancing efficiency, this also reduces the environmental impact of mineral processing in terms of energy, resources and costs. Furthermore, the development of novel extraction methods, such as non-hydrous ionic liquids helps to reduce carbon emissions (embedded within pyrometallurgical processing such as smelting) and water usage (embedded within hydrometallurgical processing such as cyanidation/solvent-extraction electro-winning)
3. Companies that refine and market the PGE, Te and Se for green energy end-products
Potential impacts to end-users are that future supply issues are eased; processing can be designed to deliver product in the most amenable form and most efficient manner to end-users; and that networks with producers (from Discovery and Recovery) are built and facilitate knowledge exchange regarding projections of supply and demand.
We will ensure impact is delivered across these groups during the catalyst by using the Environmental Sustainability KTN, trade associations (such as the British Photovoltaic Association and the Selenium-Tellurium Development Association) and topical publications (e.g. Metal Bulletin, Mining Magazine, Platinum Metals Review) to disseminate review articles, invite additional partners and promote awareness of the SoS initiative. We plan to work closely with organisations such as the Mineral Industry Research Organisation and AMIRA International, collaborative research and technological development facilitators that will expand the range of links between our consortium and industrial partners.
Publications
Jenkin G
(2016)
The application of deep eutectic solvent ionic liquids for environmentally-friendly dissolution and recovery of precious metals
in Minerals Engineering
Spence-Jones C
(2018)
Tellurium, magmatic fluids and orogenic gold: An early magmatic fluid pulse at Cononish gold deposit, Scotland
in Ore Geology Reviews
Graham S
(2017)
Magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE-Au sulfide mineralisation in alkaline igneous systems: An example from the Sron Garbh intrusion, Tyndrum, Scotland
in Ore Geology Reviews
Smith D
(2017)
Hydrothermal alteration and fluid pH in alkaline-hosted epithermal systems
in Ore Geology Reviews
Jenkin G
(2016)
Gold and by-product recovery of critical elements from gold ores using deep eutectic solvent ionic liquids: BRIO
in Applied Earth Science
Holwell D
(2015)
Extreme enrichment of Se, Te, PGE and Au in Cu sulfide microdroplets: evidence from LA-ICP-MS analysis of sulfides in the Skaergaard Intrusion, east Greenland
in Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology
Abbott A
(2015)
Electrocatalytic recovery of elements from complex mixtures using deep eutectic solvents
in Green Chemistry
Description | Activities within this Catalyst Grant have identified major knowledge gaps in the scientific and industrial communities' understanding of natural cycling of Te and Se, their recovery from mineral deposits, and future strategies for dealing with rapidly increasing demand. |
Exploitation Route | Catalyst activities have led to the formation of a multidicsiplinary consortium (academia, public sector and industry) and a formal bid to NERC for further funding. We intend to maintain networking activities for other engaged (but funding-ineligibile) parties. |
Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |
URL | https://connect.innovateuk.org/gl/web/semi-metal-pge-linkage |
Description | The Catalyst grant was largely a fact-finding initiative, rather than a grant which was designed to produce impact. Nevertheless, we have a number of industrial partners who are interested in increasing / starting production of Te and Se from their operations. Collaborations built within this catalyst activity have resulted in the ongoing successful TeaSe project, which has produced over 40 publications and a global reach in terms of partnerships and engagement activities. |
First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
Sector | Chemicals,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Other |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | MSCA-ITN-ETN - European Training Networks |
Amount | € 3,858,940 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 721385 |
Organisation | European Union |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2016 |
End | 08/2020 |
Description | NERC Highlight Topics |
Amount | £3,000,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/P017053/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2017 |
End | 04/2021 |
Description | 5N Plus |
Organisation | 5N Plus (UK) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | PhD project studying solubilisation of telluride compounds including recycling of CdTe waste (discarded solar panels) |
Collaborator Contribution | Samples, data, financial support for PhD student. |
Impact | PhD ongoing |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | ASARCO |
Organisation | ASARCO LLC |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Data analysis, geometallurgical information |
Collaborator Contribution | Supported visiting student with logistics, shipped samples. |
Impact | Co-authored manuscript in preparation. Information fed back to mineral processing team |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | First Solar |
Organisation | First Solar, Inc |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Frequent correspondence regarding research, markets, strategic supplies of raw materials. |
Collaborator Contribution | Frequent correspondence regarding research, markets, strategic supplies of raw materials. |
Impact | This partnership has directly supported the research progrrss, and has been translated into outreach and engagement activities (including the Distinguished Lecturer Programme for D Smith) |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Mandalay |
Organisation | Mandalay Resources |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Provision of data and discussion of downstream impact |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of samples and industy strategic advice |
Impact | Full research consortia, "TeaSe" project. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Newmont Mining Corp. |
Organisation | Newmont Mining Corporation |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Data, analysis and a forthcoming workshop |
Collaborator Contribution | Field logistical support, provision of samples |
Impact | Still active |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | AMG Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Multi-disciplinary audience; invited talk on critical metals for Applied Mineralogy Group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | EU By product recovery best practice |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Event in Brussels on by-products. Presented results in progress on NERC grant; built a consortium for higher TRL for Horizon 2020 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Fermor Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Conference hosted at the Geological Society of London. All content recorded and made freely available through YouTube. Conference brought together academics from fields of petrology, geochemistry, volcanology and ore deposits to deliver presentations on current state-of-the-art on copper porphyry mineralisation (and associated ore styles). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/fermor17 |
Description | Gordon Research Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | GRC events are joint industry-academic events. Good opportunity to present research directly to (non-partner) industrial stakeholders. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | IOM3 Minerals and Metals Production from Mine to Market (Cambridge) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Keynote talk (Jenkin & Abbott) on metallurgical processes. Added partners and stakeholders to projects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | MDSG 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | MDSG conference. Multiple presentations (talks and posters) from NERC grant. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | MDSG conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Mineral Deposits Studies Group. Multiple presenters from research project. Audience is academia and industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Mineralogical Society Distinguished Lecturer |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland has invited Dan Smith to tour the UK and Ireland as a 2017-18 Distinguished Lecturer. He has delivered multiple talks on his research and its impact to audiences from academia (all levels), professional societies, and amateur interest groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.minersoc.org/distinguished-lectures-17-18.html |
Description | NERC Kick off meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Kick off event for SOS programme, with invited delegates |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | NERC SOS Te and Se Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Two day workshop for invited academics and key industrial representatives (including national geological surveys) from around the world. Aims were to build a consortium for a NERC proposal (now submitted) and to initiate a network for future collaborations. We have built a consortium and prepared one funding bid already. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | PERUMIN conference (Peru) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | International mining conference in Peru. Increased number of partners on project, expanded international reach. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Parliamentary Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Parliamentary Workshop hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mining. Focussed on outcomes, impacts and implciations of the NERC SOS programme. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | SGA Nancy (France) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | International conference on mining, mineral exploration and geoscience. Presentations from Holwell and Jenkin. Consolidated partnership and collaboration with USGS. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | STDA Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Se and Te trade development association. Presentations from industry, politicians and academia. Good engagements with potential impact partners and stakeholders |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Te & Se workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | We hosted a three day meeting of researchers and industrial representatives from mining and end-user companies. Our meeting was held in the USA, and attracted delegates from across North America, UK, and Europe. We shared progress so far, and heard from other researchers and companies working in the subject area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |