About SOLVOMET

SOLVOMET History

The Research and Innovation Centre “SOLVOMET” was established in 2017 by Prof. Koen Binnemans (SOLVOMET Group Leader) and Dr. Peter Tom Jones (Industrial Research Fund Research Manager for SOLVOMET). Initially, SOLVOMET strongly focused on the development of solvometallurgical processes (as an emerging domain next to more traditional hydrometallurgy). Hence, the name SOLVOMET was chosen for the Centre.

However, since around 2019, as a result of intensive interactions with many leading industrial experts, SOLVOMET’s research focus slowly shifted towards “circular hydrometallurgy”. The reason for this change is summarised by Prof. Koen Binnemans:

“Genuine breakthroughs in hydrometallurgy will not come from the use of neoteric solvents like ionic liquids or deep-eutectic solvents, but rather from a deep understanding of hydro-processes at a molecular level. Hydrometallurgy needs to evolve to low-energy-input circular hydrometallurgy.”

However, given the long history of our “SOLVOMET” name, we have opted to maintain the name SOLVOMET for our activities. Solving problems in metallurgy, is what we do!

SOLVOMET Mission

“To support mining, metallurgical and recycling companies in the development of more sustainable (circular, low-energy input) hydrometallurgical processes, which are tested using state-of-the-art lab and mini-pilot scale experimental facilities.”

SOLVOMET Vision

“SOLVOMET’s vision is that metallurgical chemistry expertise allows to develop more efficient, eco-friendly hydrometallurgical and solvometallurgical processes to provide the critical metals that are needed for the transition to a climate-neutral society.”

Key position papers

Over the years SOLVOMET has published several key position papers (Open Access) that have tried to provide direction in hydrometallurgical and solvometallurgical research.