Abstract
Several rare metals important in the production of super alloys and components for a range of industrial sectors are particularly scarce, difficult to mine or recycle. Due to their complex chemistry, traditional methods do not offer a full solution for their extraction and recycling. In response, research at the University of Lincoln has developed innovative extraction methodologies, leading to improved industrial processes in the field of rare metal extraction from petroleum ash. By improving process technology for GSA environmental Ltd (GSAe), this has enhanced GSAe’s commercial portfolio and overseas investment. In turn, GSAe have been able to implement these novel processes with international partners resulting in economic benefits for the Venezuelan State Oil Company, alongside increased purity and extraction yield.
Research
The aviation, energy and digital technology industries are reliant on specific rare metals such rhenium, vanadium and yttrium to produce super alloys and key components. However, these elements are not only scarce but also difficult to mine and costly, slow and inefficient to recycle. Without these elements, these industries are unable to produce the key materials necessary for their sustainability, necessitating innovative solutions to maximise extraction.
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