Reagent Recycling

Closing the chemical loop for cleaner, more efficient metallurgy 

 

Every molecule reused is one less released

PROBLEM: Reagents Drive Cost and Contamination

In metal extraction, reagents are vital — but costly and wasteful when used once. 

Most hydrometallurgical processes discard them, generating chemical effluents that raise both OPEX and environmental risk. 

TENSION: The ESG and Cost Equation

Effluent management and reagent procurement can represent up to 40% of total processing costs. 

Tighter ESG standards now demand closed-loop systems to reduce hazardous waste and qualify for sustainable financing. 

SOLUTION: Closed-Loop Reagent Recycling by Design

GEOMEGA’s closed-loop reagent recovery technology regenerates, purifies, and reuses its reagents - reducing both cost and chemical waste. 

Hydrochloric acid, for example, can be regenerated directly from process streams, achieving >90% reuse while maintaining extraction efficiency. 

Key Advantages 

• Up to 95% reagent recovery and reuse 

• 70% less effluent generation 

• 40% lower reagent cost 

• Compatible and scalable with REE, Fe,
Co, Ni, and battery-metal processes 

• Safer, non-aggressive chemistry 

• Adaptive to feed chemistry 

Up to
reagent recovery & reuse
less effluent generation

PROOF: Lab & Pilot Scale Validations

• Developed at GEOMEGA’s Boucherville facility in bench scale  

• Successful piloting with hundreds of cycles run

• Integrated water purification for near-zero liquid discharge

• TRL 6–7 across multiple mineral and waste feeds 

• Demonstration scale plant being built for magnet recycling application using this technology 

• Ongoing engineering with Rio Tinto for an on-site demonstration plant from bauxite residue using this technology 

PAYOFF: Cleaner Chemistry, Lower Cost, Stronger ESG

Circular reagent systems cut OPEX, simplify compliance, and demonstrate genuine environmental leadership. 

Operational: Cut reagent and waste costs; simplify treatment; improve uptime. 

Strategic: Up to ~30% OPEX reduction potential; stronger ESG compliance; enables green financing. 

It’s not just efficient chemistry - it’s responsible engineering. 

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