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Research Themes

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Three Laboratory Themes

 

 

With a mission to create a “Sustainable Society,” our laboratory is involved in research from upstream to downstream of metal mineral processing, including Separation (Flotation), Hydrometallurgical Leaching, and Environmental Remediation.

Specifically, we have formed three groups (Flotation-G, Leaching-G, Remediation-G) to carry out fundamental and applied research. Under these circumstances, all groups often share concepts and methods to achieve the same ultimate goal, “the Creation of a Recycling-oriented Society”. Therefore, it is very important to acquire interdisciplinary, pioneering ideas and forward-thinking skills, beyond traditional academic fields’ boundaries.

For this purpose, each group holds a “Weekly Seminar” to share the progress of individual research within their group. In a “Friday Seminar”, all lab members take part in a “Journal Reading Session” where everyone takes turns to introduce international papers and discuss interdisciplinary topics.

 

▼  Theme of 　Flotation Group
▼  Theme of 　Leaching Group
▼  Theme of 　Remediation Group

Research Themes for 2023

Flotation Group

We develop Advanced Flotation Techniques for the Beneficiation of Natural Mineral Resources, including Seafloor Resources. The latest approach proposes a novel ‘Green Flotation’ method based on the modification of mineral particles using harmless organic acids and nanoparticles.

 

■ Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits (Complex Sulfide Ores) Project
  Selective Flotation of Zn, Cu, Pb
  Development of Nobel “Green Flotation” Technology Using Organic Acids and Nanoparticles

■ Removal of Impurities (As, Mo) by Selective Flotation from Refractory Copper Ores
   High-Efficiency Selective Flotation Using Oxidation and Reduction Methods　

■ Elucidation of Sulfides Reaction Behavior Using Ultrafine Powder Electrode Method
   Application in Hydrometallurgy and Flotation
   Application in Flotation

■ Application of Flotation for Coal Upgrading
  Utilization of Flotation for Ash and Sulfur Removal

■ Development of Bio-Nanometal Generation Method as a New Flotation Reagent

Leaching Group
In addition to Natural Mineral Resources (including Seafloor Resources), we are developing new hydrometallurgical techniques to recover valuable metals from Urban Mine Resources (such as Electronic Circuit Boards, Spent Catalysts, and Batteries). We propose novel leaching methods with low environmental impact, such as Bioleaching and Chemical-organic leaching.

 

■ Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits (Complex Sulfide Ores) Project
  Selective Metal Leaching Using Amino Acids and Organic Acids
  Leaching Using Seawater

■ Seafloor Cobalt-Rich Crust (CRC) Project
  Reductive Bioleaching
  Reductive/Complexation Leaching Using Organic Acids

■ Refractory Cu-As Sulfide Ore Project
  Bioleaching with Eh Control using Carbon Materials and Weak Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria

■ Indonesian Nickel Laterite Ore Project
  Development of Selective Ni Leaching and Precipitation Method Using Organic Acids

■ Waste Electronic Board Recycling Project
  Development of Selective Cu Leaching and Precipitation Method Using Biomimetic Amino Acids
  Development of Gold Leaching Method Using Amino Acid-Thiosulfate Hybrid Approach

■ Waste Catalyst Recycling Project
  Development of Competitive Organic Leaching for Co/Ni Selective Leaching and Recovery

■ Bio-Nanoparticle Synthesis from Metal Leaching Solutions
   Development of Noble Metal (Au, Pt, Pd) Nanoparticle Synthesis Method Using Metal-Reducing Bacteria and Reducing Corrosive Agents

Remediation Group
We focus on the Development of Passive Treatment Technologies, particularly in the context of refining wastewater and mine drainage, to Remove Harmful Metals and Recover Valuable Metals. We refine the technology by constructing multifaceted and innovative reactions, incorporating bio-processes, hybrid processes, and waste recycling processes

 

■ Passive Treatment (PT) Project for Manganese Contamination　
   Development of a semi-passive process using Mn-oxidizing bacteria and biominerals

■ Arsenic Remediation Project
   Development of a continuous As(III) oxidation process using self-regenerating bio-Mn oxides
   Development of a continuous As(III) oxidation process using As-oxidizing bacteria
   Development of As removal methods using Fe sludge as an adsorbent

■ Bioscorodite Project
   Development of a refining wastewater treatment method using bioscorodite generated by extremely acidophilic Fe, As oxidizing archaea

■ Arsenic Treatment at the Hishikari Mine Project
   Exploration of As oxidizing microorganisms at the Hishikari Mine
   Investigation of natural attenuation mechanisms for As with the goal of implementing passive treatment

 

　We carry out a wide range of studies, from fundamental and applied levels in the lab to practical scale and each theme progresses through a series of experiments and discussions. Our approach integrates various fields of knowledge, including Powder Engineering, Surface Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Mineralogy, Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology.

Within the constraints of finite resources, energy, and environmental limitations, we aim to contribute to a Sustainable, Recycling-oriented Society through comprehensive engineering. We strive to provide new insights into Metal Resources Processing and Environmental Remediation Technologies, which are essential to this goal.