The ReFina project is focused on the development of innovative methods for efficient treatment of a fine fraction of incineration bottom ash (IBA) with respect to metals and minerals recovery. The general ReFina project objective is:
- To increase the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials from IBA fine fraction and reducing its overall environmental impact.
- To contribute to the transformation of the European industry from the linear production business model to the circular economy concept.
- To increase the supply of materials from accessible European secondary raw materials crucial for the European industrial sector and economy.
- To facilitate multidisciplinary research collaboration across three European countries.
- To enhance the quality of the innovative results by using complementary knowledge and expertise from the academic and industrial sectors.
Several scientific sub-goals for the achievement of overall project objectives are defined:
- To upgrade IBA fines through the removal of contaminants.
- To develop and verify physical separation methods suitable for IBA fine fraction to recover metals, particularly non-ferrous metals.
- To tailor hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery from ultra-fines particles of IBA.
- To validate the environmental and technical quality of the mineral matrix after treatment to ensure its potential for use as a construction mineral.
- To develop a novel method for using mineral matrix residue from treatment in an advanced and environmentally safe application in the construction industry.
- To ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the treatment process(es) through a thorough techno-economical and life cycle assessment, with feedback to R&D.
- To asses recovery methods for IBA fine fraction with respect to overall IBA management (including impact on coarse fractions).