NRRI RI 2022 10

Minnesota boasts rich mineral resources, including iron, copper-nickel-cobalt, and rare precious metals. Additionally, industrial byproducts, such as mine tailings and waste electronic equipment, contain valuable mineral resources. This report aims to address the environmental concerns linked to mining by investigating innovative hydrometallurgical technologies for resource extraction and processing. The methodology encompasses identifying viable hydrometallurgical techniques specifically designed to produce high-value materials from both Minnesota’s mineral resources and waste streams. Research priorities include examining the potential of these technologies in battery material production, critical minerals extraction, and the remediation of contaminants such as mercury from hydrometallurgical facilities. The report also highlights the establishment of a regional laboratory to facilitate timely environmental impact assessments of hydrometallurgical innovations. Key findings indicate that developing comprehensive water remediation strategies and assessing heavy metal removal technologies are essential for minimizing environmental impacts and supporting Minnesota's climate mitigation efforts. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the potential for hydrometallurgy to contribute to sustainable resource management, with viable pathways for reducing waste and extracting critical metals from existing resources. Devising secondary products through carbon sequestration initiatives further demonstrates the promise of these emerging technologies.