Brian Evans | Curtin University
Theme: Step changes in the characterization, extraction and processing of material in the production of tailings volume
Project title: Production of natural hydrogen from tailings
Project team:
- Curtin University
- MIRWA has offered the project team co-sponsoring on the condition of industry support.
Offering to sponsors:
The production of natural hydrogen for reuse in the mine site, reducing carbon footprint and energy needs.
Summary:
The two-year project produces natural hydrogen through a redox reaction, which involves passing water through iron-rich tailings. The hydrogen is liberated as the iron ore oxides.
With iron-rich tailings containing up to 10 percent of iron ore, the reaction will generate sufficient hydrogen to power a mine site. The concept has been successfully used in Africa to power a local community.
The process can be used on old tailings and old workings.
Benefit to industry:
Environmental
- Reduction in carbon footprint
- Potable water from hydrogen combustion is produced on-site
- Injected water into tailings is recycled
Economic
- Energy savings
- Source of local potable water
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