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Research and Innovation on Minerals and Sustainable Solutions
About us
IFE has a strong research environment within mineral technology. The work covers large parts of the value chain, from extractive metallurgy to environmentally friendly solutions for processing and how technology impacts the environment. IFE also researches how metals and materials can be best utilized for renewable energy and the green transformation of society. IFE’s work contributes to enabling society to reach the goals of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and Norway’s mineral strategy.
Our key areas in the sustainable minerals and metals research group
Advanced Process Metallurgy
We specialize in sustainable techniques for the extraction and processing of minerals, focusing on reducing energy consumption and maximizing material recovery. Our methods include low-energy pyrometallurgical processes, efficient hydrometallurgical methods, and advanced use of extractive metallurgy to optimize mineral yield while protecting the environment. Development of by-products is another target for us when advancing the extraction processes.
Resources:
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
Enviromental Management and Remediation Measures
We prioritize reducing water usage and recycling/regenerating or safe disposal of the used process chemicals to minimize environmental impact. Our teams develop customized methods for water treatment and work on techniques to manage and reuse waste materials and industrial waste. Circularity of resources is integrated into our technology development.
Resources:
Tracer Technology – IFE
Energy and Emissions Management
Our approach integrates renewable energy sources in mineral processing to reduce the carbon footprint. We innovate in process intensification, utilizing methods such as carbon capture and utilization, and we develop techniques for CO₂ sequestration to further reduce emissions.
Resources:
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
Safe Handling of Radioactivity and Heavy Metals
As leaders in managing and proceessing NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material), we develop safe handling, advanced sampling and innovative processing methods. Our team is dedicated to develope protocols that fulfills radiation protection requirement and environmental safety standards.
Resources:
Miljøsikkerhet og strålevern – IFE
Social Acceptance
IFE has extensive experience in involving social scientists to address concerns of the local communities in the projects related to environmental and social impacts. In addition to our own experiences, IFE greatly values collaboration with external expertise to build trust within the community, which is reflected in several of IFE’s ongoing mineral projects.
Resources:
Miljøsikkerhet og strålevern – IFE
Tracer Technology – IFE
Wate-to-Value
IFE has extensive experience in involving social scientists to address We believe in transforming waste into resources. By developing advanced processing methods, we extract valuable materials from secondary sources such as industrial waste, mining waste, and by-products. This includes innovative recycling techniques that turn what was once waste into a valuable resource.
Resources:
Tracer Technology – IFE
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
Circularity
In line with established environmental standards, we actively work on designing circular industrial processes to minimize residual waste streams. Our interdisciplinary collaboration with other research communities promotes the reuse of by-products, and we aim to set new standards for waste reduction and resource recovery.
Resources:
Tracer Technology – IFE
Miljøsikkerhet og strålevern – IFE
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
Advanced Characterization and Testing
IFE offers capabilities in characterization. Our infrastructure and tailored techniques allow for a deep understanding of material compositions and material traceability distinguishing us in Norway for comprehensive analysis of primary sources (minerals) and secondary resources (recycled components), including radioactive and hazardous substances
Resources:
Tracer Technology – IFE
Miljøsikkerhet og strålevern – IFE
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
Upscaling, Industrial Implementation and Process Intensification
At IFE, we are experts in scaling processes from laboratory to industrial level, integrating energy-efficient solutions, intensification of processes and minimizing emissions where necessary. Our experience extends beyond pilot level, with several of our start-ups and spin-offs now operating at a commercial level.
Resources:
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
Modeling
We have advanced tools and expertise to simulate industrial processes and chemical reactions under different atmospheres, temperatures, pressures, and pH levels. This allows for effective selection of the right methods and adjustments at all stages of the development work. This saves time and simplifies the path to customized processes.
Resources:
Miljøvennlige industriprosesser – IFE
IFE combines advanced research with practical solutions that support both industry and societal needs. Our work facilitates the digitalization of mining operations, environmentally friendly extraction processes, and social acceptance, playing an important role in developing sustainable solutions for the future mineral industry.
Some of our projects in the field
REEsilience
The project, led by Rare Earth Norway AS, focuses on sustainable and circular processes for extracting rare earth elements (REE) from the Fen field in Telemark. The goal is to reduce waste, ensure safe handling of radioactive by-products, and strengthen Norway’s position as an environmentally friendly supplier of critical raw materials for Europe’s green transition.
REESOURCE
In this EU project, innovative methods for underground mining are being developed, including digital ventilation, environmentally friendly mineral processing, and safe handling of mining waste. The project creates a sustainable value chain for rare earth elements, reduces environmental impacts, and strengthens Europe’s self-sufficiency in critical materials for the green transition.
Resources:
https://www.reesource.eu/
AlSiCal
In AlSiCal, a groundbreaking process for the simultaneous production of aluminum oxide, silica, and calcium carbonate from anorthosite is being explored, without bauxite waste and CO₂ emissions. The project integrates CO₂ utilization and creates a more sustainable mineral and metal industry.
Resources:
https://www.alsical.eu/