The European REECOVERY project, which has spent the last three years developing and validating a cutting-edge system for recovering critical raw materials from water impacted by mining activities, celebrated its final event this week in Aznalcóllar, Seville. During the event, the project’s key findings were shared, highlighting its groundbreaking contributions to sustainable mining and the circular economy.

Notably, the pilot plant at Minera Los Frailes recovered over one kilogram of sulfide metals such as copper, cobalt, and zinc, as well as 70 grams of rare earth oxalates for every cubic meter of water treated. Additionally, 70% of the water used during the various stages of the process was regenerated and reused, underscoring the project’s strong sustainability focus.

The event featured visits to the iconic Aznalcóllar and Los Frailes open-pit mines and a tour of the pilot plant, where participants explored its three main technological units: the recovery of sulfide metals through biological processes, rare earth oxalate recovery via ion exchange technology, and water regeneration for reuse in the process. The day concluded with a networking lunch where attendees discussed the project’s achievements and potential applications.

Cubicoff played a key role in this initiative by developing the detailed engineering design of the pilot plant, working alongside Lantania Aguas and other REECOVERY consortium partners: Minera Los Frailes, Cetaqua – Water Technology Centre, AQUATEC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

Led by Minera Los Frailes and funded by EIT RawMaterials, the project has contributed to Europe’s transition toward a more sustainable and independent future by reducing the reliance on imported critical raw materials. It has also demonstrated how water, traditionally considered a waste product in mining, can be transformed into a valuable resource, advancing the circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.

At Cubicoff, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness as essential tools for building a more efficient and environmentally responsible mining sector.

For more information about the REECOVERY project, read the full article here.