The Safety Research Centre addresses unique issues related to Safety and Risk Management in the mining industry.

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Principles of the various steps in the iron ore pelletizing process (agglomeration mechanisms), roller screening, induration furnace bed permeability, drying mechanisms and the study of reactions occurring inside the pellets are studied. Focus is particularly put on issues related to the environment and to sustainable development, which are especially important to users of thermal processes. These issues mainly concern increasing productivity, reducing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, NO_x, SO_x, etc.).

Extractive metallurgy projects are conducted to address matrices of varying complexity for the separation and concentration of a multitude of elements, ranging from base metals, light metals, precious metals to other common metals. Hydrometallurgical processes such as atmospheric or pressure leaching of all kinds of matrices and recovering metals by varied processes such as adsorption, cementation, solvent or resin extraction and crystallization are an integral part of those research activities.

Projects are conducted to develop alternative solutions and equipment for flotation in order to increase the recovery of fine particles. Also, focus is set on on-line monitoring and hydrodynamic optimization of machinery and flotation circuits. Considerations related to sustainable development and the supply of fresh water and water management at mine sites emphasize the need to understand process water chemistry and to control the “water-reagents-solids” interactions.

Work aims to intensify initiatives targeting the evaluation and introduction of new technologies that could be used alone or in combination. This encompasses improved spiral performance, new gravity separators that are more effective in recovering fines and monitoring of gravity recoverable gold.

Under this priority, CanmetMINING will:

• Examine options to treat, recycle and reuse water.
• Improve our understanding of the biological, chemical and physical factors that influence the fate and toxicity of metals in order to develop a watershed-based approach for assessing cumulative effects.
• Assess the risks of climate change on mines.
• Study the effects of changes in water balance (surplus leads to difficulties in treatment and an increased risk of contaminant release; shortage leads to increased demand for processing).