In a significant stride towards circular economy practices in mining, Betolar and Anglo American have announced a commercial collaboration focused on metal extraction technology and green cement production at the Sakatti Cu-Ni-multimetallic project in Sodankylä, Finland. This partnership underscores Anglo American’s ambition to establish a low-waste mine, integrating circular economy solutions into its operations.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to produce green cement for tailings paste backfill at the future Sakatti mining operation. Green cement is derived from material that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Betolar’s metal extraction technology facilitates the recovery of valuable metals and minerals from this waste material, with the remaining residue suitable for cement production. This approach not only aims to reduce overall waste but also seeks to lower costs and create profitable waste management processes within mining operations.
Betolar will further develop tailored solutions for the Sakatti mine to minimize CO2 emissions and implement practical steps toward carbon-neutral mining. “Our metal extraction technology enables both the efficient recovery of valuable metals and the production of low-carbon green cement – all from the same waste material stream. We are pleased to support Sakatti mine’s goal of minimizing mineral waste,” says Tuija Kalpala, President and CEO of Betolar.
Anglo American is designing and developing Sakatti as one of its next-generation FutureSmart mines—a low-carbon underground operation with a minimal surface footprint. “At the heart of this approach is our commitment to protecting the environment and embedding circular practices where possible, working with our partners to harness innovative solutions which reduce waste, while finding opportunity to transform any remaining material into potentially valuable resources,” says Pertti Lamberg, CEO of Anglo American in Finland.
The green cement produced through Betolar’s metal extraction process has demonstrated exceptional quality in testing. Its strength development properties are significantly superior to traditional cement substitutes, such as ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). By utilizing green cement produced from the mine’s own side streams, Anglo American positions itself as a pioneer, showcasing that responsible mining companies are ready to adopt cutting-edge technologies to advance sustainable development.
“The usability of circular economy products depends primarily on their quality. The green cement produced by our technology not only matches but can even surpass the performance of traditional cements. Therefore, quality will not be a barrier to the adoption of circular economy solutions,” continues Kalpala.
This collaboration between Betolar and Anglo American could set a new benchmark for the mining industry, demonstrating how innovative technologies can transform waste into valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact. As the sector grapples with increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, this partnership may inspire other mining companies to explore similar circular economy solutions. The success of this initiative could accelerate the adoption of green cement and metal extraction technologies, fostering a more sustainable and profitable future for the mining industry.