Acids 2 Value

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Research and Innovation

  • Researchers working at a containerized laboratory running column tests on acid mine drainage

    The "Acids 2 Value" project is dedicated to advancing research and innovations in Acid Mine Drainage remediation. Our approach integrates cutting-edge technology with socio-economic insights to convert environmental liabilities into sustainable assets. We focus on developing effective solutions that enhance both ecosystem and community resilience, demonstrating our commitment to technological excellence and socio-economic responsibility.

Mapping and GIS A comprehensive mapping of AMD in South Africa highlighted the dual challenge and opportunity presented by AMD-impacted sites.
Analytical techniques One of our project goals was to develop a technique to reliably determine the concentration of various trace elements in AMD
Conceptual model Our approach evolved from an initial static model to a dynamic iterative refinement of our originally proposed technology, integrating multi-systems analysis to address implementation gaps.
Rare Earth Content and Extraction Our research has uncovered that while REEs are prevalent in AMD, their concentrations are relatively low, posing significant extraction challenges.
Acid hydrolysis and enzymatic digestion of biomass AMD contains inherent acidity that presents unique opportunities for value creation within the A2V framework. Our approach capitalizes on this acidity by leveraging it to pre-treat biomass.
Socioeconomical considerations Addressing these challenges not only involves technical solutions for water treatment but also necessitates a thorough socio-economic evaluation of the potential benefits and costs associated with such interventions.
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