Understanding the Opportunities, Barriers, and Enablers for the Commercialization and Transfer of Technologies for Mine Waste Valorization: A Case Study of Coal Processing Wastes in South Africa

Helene-Marie Stander and Jennifer L. Broadhurst
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Helene-Marie Stander: Minerals to Metals Research Initiative, Department of Chemical Engineering, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
Jennifer L. Broadhurst: Minerals to Metals Research Initiative, Department of Chemical Engineering, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa

Resources, 2021, vol. 10, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: The mining and minerals beneficiation industries produce large volumes of waste, the land disposal of which can lead to harmful environmental emissions and a loss of valuable resources. Globally, researchers are developing technologies for recovering valuable minerals and converting mine waste into a resource with market value. However, university-developed technological innovations to long-term environmental problems can be difficult to transfer to the mining industry. This paper focuses on the barriers and enablers to technology transfer in the South African mining industry using the valorization of coal processing waste as a case study. Data and information derived from interviews with relevant experts and published literature were used to gain a better understanding of the landscape of waste valorization technology implementation. Results indicated that financial considerations and demonstration of technical feasibility will be vital in determining the success of technology transfer, as will a changing perception of waste and its value within the sector. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and boutique waste processors were identified as potential commercial partners for further development and commercial implementation of university-developed waste valorization technologies within the mining sector.

Keywords: mine waste valorization; technology transfer; barriers and enablers; stakeholder roles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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