SOLVOMET is KU Leuven's Research & Training Centre that develops new and/or optimises existing hydrometallurgical unit processes and (circular) flowsheets. We have a strong focus on continuous, countercurrent solvent extraction processes for metal and acid recovery.

We offer companies worldwide both short-term contract research projects (3-12 months) and long-term, framework agreements (multiple years). We validate unit processes up to TRL5 (mini-pilot scale). We provide tailored training to industry.

Energy-transition metals
SOLVOMET focuses on novel metal extraction and purification processes for the so-called “energy-transition metals’. These are metals such as lithium, cobalt and rare-earth elements, which are all instrumental in driving the transition to a climate-neutral society.

The SOLVOMET approach
SOLVOMET goes beyond a basic, trial-and-error methodology to develop or optimise hydrometallurgical flowsheets. Instead, SOLVOMET combines experimental testing on lab/mini-pilot scale with detailed feed characterisation, thermodynamic and kinetic modelling, and a deep, molecular understanding of metal extraction mechanisms. 

Circular hydrometallurgy?
SOLVOMET recently postulated the “Twelve Principles of Circular Hydrometallurgy” (Binnemans & Jones, Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy 9(1) (2023) 1-25)). Circular hydrometallurgy refers to the area of hydrometallurgy that focuses on the design of energy-efficient flowsheets or unit processes that consume a minimal amount of reagents and produce virtually no waste. It entails a different way of thinking about how hydrometallurgy is practiced, both for primary mining and recycling processes. Circularity refers to the regeneration and reuse of all the reagents in a process. SOLVOMET uses these 12 principles to design metallurgical unit processes and integrated flowsheets, in close collaboration with its industrial partners.

SOLVOMET is part of Belgium's leading university, i.e. KU Leuven.

SOLVOMET R&T Centre

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