OUR MISSION
To develop, organise & implement problem-driven, science-deep research & future-oriented education, contributing to the environmentally friendly production & recycling of metals, minerals & engineered materials, supporting (…) a climate-friendly, circular-economy. Read more >





A new paradigm to counter climate change










News

Effect of Linz-Donawitz slag addition on the hot stage slag mineralogy
SIM² KU Leuven – HITEMP researchers, studied the influence of LD slag addition on the copper slag Zn fuming process.

Molecular thermodynamic model for solvent extraction of mineral acids by TBP
In the framework of the HE ENICON projects, SOLVOMET/SIM² KU Leuven researchers Lommelen & Binnemans developed a molecular thermodynamic model for the solvent extraction of minerals acids using TBP.

Sustainable and Comprehensive Utilisation of Copper Slag
KU Leuven researchers together with members of Aurubis AG critically reviewed the topic of sustainable and comprehensive utilisation of copper slag. The paper was published in Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy.

Testimonials for Ionic liquids & deep-eutectic solvents “dead-end street paper”
Binnemans & Jones published a new position paper in JSM: “Ionic Liquids and Deep-Eutectic Solvents in Extractive Metallurgy: Mismatch Between Academic Research and Industrial Applicability”. Here we publish some testimonials.
Meet our SIM² colleagues

Koen Binnemans is awarded a second ERC Advanced Grant: CIRMET
Koen Binnemans was awarded a second ERC Advanced Grant for his CIRMET project: Circular Hydrometallurgy for Energy-Transition. SIM² provides a sneak preview of what you can expect in CIRMET in this open-hearted interview.

Ben Gilliams: “Pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy are like yin and yang”
Following a 25-year VP-level career at Umicore, Ben Gilliams has decided to make a remarkable career switch. On January 9, Ben started as Senior Valorisation Director at SOLVOMET ISC, one of SIM² KU Leuven’s innovation flagships.
Research Results

Future and Emerging Supplementary Cementitious Materials
SIM² – KU Leuven geologist Ruben Snellings, together Prannoy Suraneni (U Miami) and Jørgen Skibsted (U Aarhus) have reviewed the latest advances in research and development of new supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). New SCMs are needed to support the decarbonization of cement and concrete production, and can contribute to the circular economy by upcycling of large volumes of waste materials. This invited review paper is

Effect of Linz-Donawitz slag addition on the hot stage slag mineralogy
SIM² KU Leuven – HITEMP researchers, studied the influence of LD slag addition on the copper slag Zn fuming process.