Modern Mining February 2024

COVER STORY

Axis House Group provides green solutions in mineral processing

Axis House Group, a leading reagent manufacturer and supplier to the mineral processing sector, has made a significant commitment to sustainability by dedicating research and development efforts to the development of environmentally friendly reagents. Concrete initiatives, including gold leaching without cyanide and a range of non-hazardous frothers, allow the Axis House Research and Devel opment team to reduce the environmental impact of its products, plus showcase and drive positive change within the industry.

Axis House Group’s chemist, delves into the world of precision with ICP Analysis.

M ining has long been a critical industry for global development, providing essential resources for various sectors. The esca lating demand for battery metals, driven primarily by the rise of EVs and renewable energy technologies, has positioned countries with sig nificant reserves of these metals at the forefront of economic opportunities. The surge in demand presents challenges and opportunities, emphasis ing the importance of holistic solutions that balance economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility. This urgent need for developing sustainable and responsible supply chains for mining and processing these metals underscores the urgency of investing in research and development (R&D) for alternative technologies. This involves reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals, finding greener solutions, and exploring innovative approaches to mineral process ing. Axis House, with its dedicated R&D team, is at the forefront of these efforts, actively working to reduce the environmental footprint of its products and contribute to the industry’s sustainable future. One major initiative by Axis House involves

the development of non-hazardous alternatives for cyanide salts, specifically in polymetallic flo tation. Revadep 150 and Revadep 226 are both cyanide-free and non-hazardous depressants. The elimination of cyanide from the process promises a substantial impact on logistics, storage, and the envi ronment. It also ensures improved health and safety, and a significant reduction in operating costs. Another groundbreaking initiative by Axis House is the introduction of D20-M3, a non/low-hazardous alternative to cyanide in gold leaching applications. This innovative leaching agent boasts similar leach kinetics as cyanide while producing effluent that requires minimal to no treatment. Also on the green agenda for responsible mineral process is Axis House’s focus on promoting safety in sulphide collectors, advocating for the use of liquid sulphide collectors with lower hazards when compared to traditional options such as xanthates. In addition, sustainable initiatives also encompass organic polymer depressants widely used for talc, carbon, pyrite, and other floatable gangue. These depressants are safe to use and environmentally friendly and sustainably produced. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its innovative frothers range. The high flash point Hydrofroth frother range ensures opera tional safety while aligning with responsible mineral processing practices. On-site customisation of froth ers further reduces hazards and improves process efficiency. Finally, Axis House recognises the critical role of water treatment in enhancing the overall sustainabil ity of mineral processing operations. Implementing advanced water treatment processes not only minimises the environmental impact but also contrib utes to improved water conservation and reduced demand on local water sources. Treating water with the Bronte flocculants and dewatering range facili tates efficient recycling within processing plants. With a focus on the entire mining value chain,

Axis House is a leading reagent manufacturer and supplier for the mineral processing sector.

6  MODERN MINING  February 2024