Lithium Ion Battery Recycle and Reuse
As we move into a battery driven society it will be an ever increasing challenge to supply the raw materials required to sustain the required growth. The cost effective/efficient reuse and recovery of the components in spent batteries is a crucial component in the success of this technology.
Irish Metals has worked with Garrison Minerals to develop a process and flowsheet that is zero liquid discharge, does not produce any waste streams as the lithium graphite, manganese, cobalt and nickel are all produced to be reused as batteries or to other high value products. The copper and iron can be sold into the secondary recovery market. Small scale testing and a batch pilot program planned for 2021 under a Critical Minerals Institute ↗ Open Innovation Project grant in partnership with Garrison Minerals ↗, Telex Metals ↗, Retriev Technologies ↗, and Big Blue Technologies ↗.
Phosphate Recovery – Control of Toxic Algae Blooms
Irish Metals has partnered with Global Phosphate Solutions to develop a sponge pellet that performs like an ion exchange resin for removal and recovery of phosphate from discharge water, lakes, and streams. The pellets are effective at dropping orthophosphate (dissolved) to non-detect levels.
The technology was demonstrated as part of Stage 1-3 of the George Barley Water Prize ↗. The equipment used in the pilot phase of the Barley Prize is available for on-site viability testing. Each water type and situation requires a pilot phase for process development.
Global Phosphate Solutions also has a patent pending for technology to recover phosphate from soils and particulates. In the 1960’s, the use of phosphate fertilizers and other nutrients began to be added in ever increasing amounts to farmland. Initially, the natural soil adsorption mechanisms were able to keep these excess loads of phosphorus from impacting the rivers, lakes, and oceans. The phosphorus was adsorbed on iron oxides, clay particles, and other related solids. However, at some point these natural adsorption methods were overwhelmed. Leaving behind large deposits of phosphate rich sediments that can and will supply an almost endless supply of nutrients to our water ways. Even if all new phosphate sources stopped entering waterways, the historic levels in the sediments will continue to release phosphate which causes harmful algae blooms.
Global Phosphate Solutions has a method to recover the phosphate from these solids and rejuvenate the natural soil adsorption mechanisms. The rejuvenated solids are then available to perform their historical role to keep phosphate levels in balance. This when coupled with modern farming practices should provide years of algae free water.
Recovery of Phosphate for Reuse
Phosphate is a crucial element required to sustain human and plant life. It is projected to be in short supply in the not too distant future. We must have a process to recycle Phosphate for reuse. Global Phosphate Solutions produces a calcium phosphate solid that assays 35% phosphate. It can be used as a fertilizer or as reagent. Global Phosphate Solutions can recover it from water, solids, and produce a reusable product.
Concentrate Processing
Irish Metals has partnered with a group of investors/researchers to develop a universal leach and eliminate need for smelters. Suitable for many types of concentrates- gold, silver, cobalt, nickel, copper, antimony, lead and zinc. This leach is more economical as it uses less reagent and has no sulfate waste stream. Every effort is made to be a good steward as value added products are produced from all value elements. Zero liquid discharge is achieved through reuse and regeneration of process solutions.
