Unlocking resources through hydrometallurgy

The seminar series is dedicated to introducing physicochemical and engineering techniques for recovering critical raw materials from mineral resources, with a particular emphasis on rare earth elements, uranium, and metals used in lithium-ion batteries.

Participants will acquire the tools and insights necessary for advancing sustainable resource extraction practices in the modern era.

Program:

Tuesday 30th April 9.00-13.00 TA09 (4h):
Part 1 (4h): Physicochemistry and Engineering in hydrometallurgy
• Introduction (15 min)
• Leaching (45 min), A. CHAGNES
• Solvent extraction (1 h), A. CHAGNES
• Crystallization and precipitation (2 h), K. FORSBERG

Thursday 2nd May 9.00-13.00 TA10 (4h):
Part 2 (4h): Hydrometallurgy of critical raw materials
• Rare earth elements extraction, from waste to treasure (2 h), K. FORSBERG
• Uranium extraction from primary conventional and unconventional resources
(1 h), A. CHAGNES
• Metals for and from lithium-ion batteries (1 h), A. CHAGNES

Short bios of the lecturers: 

Kerstin Forsberg is Professor in chemical engineering with expertise in separation processes, in particular crystallization. The knowledge is often applied in projects concerning recovery of resources from waste streams (e.g. spent batteries, red mud) or to investigate phenomena connected to the transport of pollutants (e.g. mobility of radionuclides). She is the current chair of the Hydrometallurgy and Electrometallurgy Committee within The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, TMS.

Prof. Alexandre Chagnes has a diverse research background including electrochemistry of lithium-ion batteries and hydrometallurgy in France. Since 2016, he's a Full Professor at Université de Lorraine, with roles in national networks and industrial partnerships. Currently, he leads a research program on Circular Economy for energy and digital transitions at Université de Lorraine, focusing on metal recovery from primary and secondary resources. With extensive publications and patents, his work is focused on solution chemistry, electrochemistry, and separation science, notably in recycling lithium-ion batteries and e-wastes.