Reinventing the Mineral Value Chain: The Science of Responsible Mining

Led by Professor Claude Bazin, Axis 3 of Université Laval’s E4m Research Centre focuses on developing and optimizing eco-responsible mineral processing methods, covering the entire value chain from primary extraction to recycling and the circular economy.

Research is structured around four complementary themes:

- Comminution: Modelling and energy optimization of crushing and grinding (particularly HPGR technologies) to drastically reduce electricity consumption at mine sites.

- Beneficiation: Physical, physicochemical (flotation), and hydrometallurgical separation to maximize the recovery of critical minerals (such as gold, lithium, rare earths, and cobalt) while valorizing tailings and recycling.

- Optimization: Utilizing computational molecular simulation (DFT), digital twins, and predictive control algorithms to stabilize and optimize plant yields in real time.

- Intensification and Chemical Looping: Transitioning to low-carbon processes by integrating forest biomass to replace fossil reagents and developing hybrid processes that combine CO₂ capture and mineralization.

To validate their innovations, Axis 3 researchers rely on state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Process Operations Optimization Laboratory (LOOP) and the Vision and Numerical Systems Laboratory (LVSN). They collaborate closely with major industrial partners (Agnico Eagle, Rio Tinto, Glencore, COREM) and government agencies to accelerate technology transfer and secure critical mineral sovereignty.