Base and Precious Metal
Recovery
Most electronic products contain one or more Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Their content in gold (Au), silver (Ag), tin (Sn) and copper (Cu) is significantly higher than that of their corresponding ores.
Hydrometallurgical
Process
Separation and recovery of target metals via a sustainable low energy process.
Zero Waste
Process
Management of solid and liquid waste for maximum recovery of metals and zero disposal in the environment.
The Process
High efficiency, flexible hydrometallurgical recovery of base and precious metals from PCBs.
The development of the hydrometallurgical process is the “heart” of HYDROPCB: An extensive lab scale investigation aims at the design of the hydrometallurgical method. It includes dissolution of the metals from the PCBs materials. Furthermore, selective separation and recovery of metals will follow with various techniques. The hydrometallurgical process will be designed by the Laboratory of Metallurgy-Hydrometallurgy Unit of the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering of NTUA.
The Novelty
Hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from PCBs
Hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from PCBs and advanced biological treatment of resulting waste water. Both these processes which are essential stages of the pilot unit are novel. The overall scheme will target the maximum utilization of byproducts and the minimization of waste.
First pilot unit in Greece
This pilot unit will be the first to be established in Greece by a leading company for the collection, treatment and recycling of WEEE.
The Benefits
Circular economy
Integrated and environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical process
«Co‐financed by the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, under the call RESEARCH – CREATE – INNOVATE (project code:Τ1EDK-00219)»
