Solution
Process Research ORTECH's focus on Sustainable Development has resulted in a number of innovative Cleantech programs. Several projects have been carried out at PRO towards materials recycling including solid and liquid streams.
Sustainability
Pyrometallurgy is normally used that involves burning of the carbon at elevated temperatures, which unfortunately has negative environmental implications due to challenges associated with CO2 gas emissions and mercury removal.
- GHG Reduction in Gold Processing
- Repurposing and Recycling of Li Ion Batteries
- Reduction of waste tailings in Zn production
Clean Technologies
Process Research ORTECH's focus on Sustainable Development has resulted in a number of innovative Cleantech programs. Several projects have been carried out at PRO towards materials recycling including solid and liquid streams.
- Effluent Water Treatment
- Treatment of Flyash
Renewable Energy
Solar energy is at the forefront of sustainable energy and with the production of more efficient and economical solar panels their use has been globally adopted. Rice husks, traditionally a waste material, are now being used as a precursor for silicon in solar panels.
- Production of solar grade Silicon from Rice Husk Ash
- Energy from Biomass
Recycling
PRO, together with an SME, has worked to develop a clean process technology to recover and refine a highly pure and valuable gallium metal while producing a stable arsenic containing by product for safe and environmental disposal.
- Gallium Arsenide Recycling
- Wastewater Treatment for Textile Dyeing Mills
- Recycling of Paper Mill Waste
- Recovery of Zinc from Scrap Galvanized Steel
Metallurgy and Advanced Materials
PRO in collaboration with the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) have completed a bench and pilot program to recover battery grade Ni and Co from a Cu/Ni concentrate.
- Battery materials from ores and concentrates
- Catalysts for water purification
Specialty Chemicals
PRO has worked on the development of an environmental and economical process for the production of a commercially pure titanium dioxide product for use in the pigment industry and as for production of other titanium compounds.
- Lower capital and operating cost compared to other process options
- Directly treats ilmenite (Rock and Mineral Sands)
- Reagents are recycled reducing the environmental impact.
- Produces a high purity TiO2 product.