Our projects focus on the development and implementation of advanced separation and extraction technologies for critical materials. We work at the intersection of precision separation, extractive metallurgy, and mineral processing to design processes that enable the selective recovery of multiple elements from complex primary and secondary resources.
Current efforts include novel ligand-driven separation systems, integrated flowsheets for multi-element extraction, and energy-efficient approaches to recycling and urban mining. Each project is grounded in fundamental science and translated into scalable solutions for real-world resource challenges.
Focus: Sub-groups and Individual REEs
Selective recovery of individual rare earth elements from complex mixtures through targeted metal–ligand interactions. This approach enables the isolation of Y, Ce, Nd, Gd, and Dy at high purity, demonstrating precise control at the molecular level and unlocking multi-element value from a single resource stream.
Selective recovery and purification of battery metals through targeted separation at the molecular and ionic level. Leveraging metal–ligand interactions and advanced process design, we enable the efficient isolation of Mn, Co, Ni, and other transition metals from complex primary and secondary resources. This approach supports high-purity material production for energy storage systems while enabling sustainable recovery through recycling and circular resource utilization.
Our approach integrates two complementary strategies:
Advanced Mixed-Ligand Reagent Systems
Ligand-driven, multi-component formulations engineered to selectively target complex mineralogy and enhance recovery beyond the limits of conventional reagent schemes.
Bubble-Enhanced Reagent Emulsions
Tailored emulsion systems incorporating high-efficiency oily reagents and nanobubbles to improve dispersion, interfacial transport, and fine particle capture.
Selective recovery of valuable metals from electronic waste through targeted metal–ligand interactions. This approach enables the efficient separation of Cu, Au, Ag, Ni, Al, Pd, Pt, Ga, Ta, and In, along with other critical elements, from complex and heterogeneous feedstocks. By integrating precision separation with recycling and urban mining, we transform e-waste into high-purity material streams while reducing environmental impact.
Reprocessing of fresh and legacy mine tailings through advanced fine and ultrafine flotation to selectively remove sulfide minerals and eliminate the risk of acid mine drainage. This approach enables the recovery of additional value-bearing minerals and the subsequent extraction of critical metals from flotation concentrates, transforming tailings from long-term liabilities into sustainable resource streams.
Integrated lithium recovery from both primary and secondary resources through novel, low-emission, and energy-efficient processes. Our approach enables cost-effective extraction of lithium from hard rock minerals such as spodumene, alongside targeted separation from complex secondary streams, particularly produced water, supporting a sustainable and scalable supply of battery-grade lithium.