From proof of concept to industrial pilot
NRC was the winner of the ‘Maximising the Potential of Incineration Slag’ challenge launched by Valorsul as part of the Open Innovation 2024 programme. The challenge sought to identify innovative solutions capable of increasing the recovery of materials present in the slag from the Waste Treatment and Energy Recovery Facility (ITVE), thereby strengthening the circularity of resources and creating new opportunities for recovery.
Following an initial testing phase, NRC’s technology demonstrated very promising results, particularly in terms of the recovery of non-ferrous metals. The tests carried out showed a recovery potential significantly higher than that achieved by the processes currently in use, justifying the project’s progression to a pilot phase in an industrial setting.
As a result of these positive indicators, Valorsul has moved forward with a pilot project to process slag using NRC’s technology. The pilot is still under development and will enable the performance of the solution and its potential for future application to be validated on a full-scale basis.
In addition to increasing the recovery of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the project aims to improve the quality of the aggregate produced from slag treatment, contributing to a more efficient use of resources and the development of new circular economy solutions. The partnership also involves the sharing of technical knowledge and the optimisation of processes for the treatment and recovery of this material stream.
Although the final results are not yet available, the data obtained so far reveal significant technical and economic potential, demonstrating the capacity of open innovation to identify solutions with the potential to have a real impact on Valorsul’s operations and the waste sector.
Currently underway, the NRC project demonstrates how collaboration between a specialist in incinerator bottom ash treatment and waste management operators can accelerate resource recovery and drive the circular economy.
Key figures:
🏆 Winner of the Valorsul Open Innovation 2024
🔩 Advanced recovery of metals from slag
🚀 70,000-tonne industrial pilot project under development
♻️ Greater circularity and resource recovery
🤝 Collaboration between Valorsul, NRC and Aerinnova
📈 Very promising preliminary results
Find out more about NRC: NRC Non-ferro Recovery Company | Your partner in metals recovery
