MinPhos: Phosphorus – really a critical raw material? “Mining” of phosphorus from environmental waters with the means of the latest 3D printing technology, novel coatings and recyclable biomaterials
Phosphorus is a centrepiece of the global economy, extracted from phosphate rock—a finite and non-renewable resource recognised by the European Union as a critical raw material. To meet the high demand for phosphorus, efforts must focus on its sustainable management throughout the life cycle and enhancing the use of phosphorus from secondary raw materials. A substantial amount of phosphorus is lost at the very beginning, during mining, beneficiation, and processing of phosphate ores. This has led to evaluating the potential of utilising mining side streams, produced in large quantities globally, and transforming them into high-value-added products.
The academy project MinPhos introduces an innovative approach for separating and recovering phosphorus from material flows and waste streams, aligning with the circular economy concept. The proposed breakthrough technological solution will, for the first time, target the recovery of phosphorus from waters in phosphogypsum pile areas in a sustainable and economically viable manner. Driven by the latest scientific advancements, the project retains the potential for large-scale application by employing state-of-the-art technologies, 3D printing, novel coatings, and recyclable biomaterials.
The outcomes of this project aim to bridge gaps in knowledge, research, and development while contributing to a circular, resource-efficient economy. It will also support industry sustainability by addressing requirements imposed by environmental legislation.
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