Betolar and partners explore sustainable use for Epanko mine tailings

Core Viewpoint - Betolar has partnered with GTK and EcoGraf to explore the use of mine tailings from the Epanko graphite project in Tanzania for metal recovery and low-carbon cement production, promoting a circular economy in mining and construction industries [1][2][4]. Group 1: Partnership and Objectives - The partnership is based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate the feasibility of using graphite project tailings in circular economy material solutions [2]. - EcoGraf is advancing the TanzGraphite initiative to supply feedstock for battery anode material processing and high-quality graphite for industrial applications [2]. Group 2: Tailings and Technology - The Epanko project is expected to generate approximately 900,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of tailings over the first decade [3]. - The collaboration will investigate the effectiveness of Betolar's metal extraction technology, which has shown recovery rates of up to 99% for critical metals [3][4]. Group 3: Sustainability and Circular Economy - The process aims to produce low-carbon cement, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials and contributing to emission reductions [4][5]. - This initiative supports the transition towards a circular economy by converting mine tailings into valuable resources, aligning with EU and Finland's resource efficiency goals [5]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The partnership highlights the growing interest in sustainable mining practices globally, particularly in Africa, as companies seek to transform waste into new value [6].