EIT MESCEL - HardMetal scrap electrolysis for recovery of valuable metals

Since the beginning of the 20th century, hard metals (HMs), also known as cemented carbides, have played a crucial role in both industrial and everyday life. They are utilized in a wide range of products, from cars and airplanes to electronic devices and household appliances. HMs also find applications in agriculture, food processing, textiles, construction, and industries such as oil and gas extraction, as well as in biomedical and surgical tools. Since 2011, the European Union has classified the primary components of HMs—tungsten (W) and cobalt (Co)—as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) due to their significant industrial importance and high supply risks. As a result, it is urgent to maximize the recovery of W and Co from HM scraps. Currently, the industrial recovery rates for these materials stand at approximately 40% for W and 20% for Co. However, there is still substantial progress needed to meet the environmental and economic sustainability targets that are now mandatory. The MESCEL project aims to tackle this challenge by developing an innovative and environmentally friendly electrochemical method for recovering W and Co from HM scrap. The primary objective of this project is to create an electrochemical cell that facilitates the recycling of tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) scrap, to completely separate W and Co. This process will utilize a neutral pH reactant and require low electric power, making it compatible with solar panel energy generation. The main justification for this approach is the status of W and Co as Critical Raw Materials, combined with the limited number of mines in the EU, new China export control regulations (November 2024) and the high environmental impact associated with ore mining and refining. Recycling scrap with minimal environmental impact presents an ideal solution to ensure that the supply of these materials aligns with the principles of a green economy.

Research and innovation in the field of electrochemical processing of solid alloys, driven by the MESCEL project, represent a significant advancement for scientific development in Slovenia. The project introduces an advanced method for decomposing hard metal waste using a pulsed potentiostatic anode process, enabling the simultaneous recovery of pure tungsten and the selective separation of cobalt and nickel. This approach opens new possibilities for experimental research into electrochemical processes, optimisation of production methods, and sustainable recycling of critical raw materials, positioning Slovenia at the forefront of innovative scientific solutions at the European level.

The MESCEL project holds direct economic and strategic significance for Slovenia, as it enables the efficient extraction of critical raw materials such as tungsten and cobalt from industrial waste. By employing environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and highly productive methods, Slovenia could increase its share in the European supply of these raw materials and contribute to the development of a circular economy. Sustainable production and recycling of HM materials would strengthen the competitiveness of the Slovenian industrial sector, reduce dependence on imports, and stimulate the development of green technologies and innovations in the domestic market.