What is Dundee Sustainable Technologies?
Dundee Sustainable Technologies (DST) is shaking up the mining industry with its innovative, eco-friendly metal processing and extraction technologies. Focused on reducing environmental liabilities and helping mining operations stay compliant with ever-changing regulations, DST is all about pushing boundaries. Their approach tackles the challenges of extracting precious and base metals from mineralized materials, concentrates, and tailings—while stabilizing harmful contaminants like arsenic, antimony, bismuth, and cadmium. These are elements that conventional processes often struggle with due to metallurgical or environmental constraints. Simply put, DST is bringing the future of sustainable mining to the present.
Main Benefit: Faster, Greener, and Cyanide-Free Gold Extraction
One of DST’s standout innovations is the patented CLEVR Process™—a game-changer in gold recovery. This process is cyanide-free, faster, and greener, making it a competitive alternative to traditional methods. Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes it so impressive:
- Achieves over 95% gold extraction yields
- Slashes contact time from 36+ hours down to just 2 hours
- Allows for coarser particle size requirements, easing processing demands
- Competitive costs, roughly $20 per tonne of ore for a 10,000 TPD direct leach operation
- Closed-loop system recycles all reagents, eliminating tailings ponds
- Reduces both current and future environmental liabilities
- Decreases carbon footprint and overall environmental impact
How the CLEVR Process™ Works
The magic behind the CLEVR Process™ lies in its chemistry. Instead of using chlorine gas, it employs sodium hypochlorite combined with a catalytic amount of sodium hypobromite under acidic conditions to dissolve gold efficiently. The process is fully closed-loop, meaning all chemicals are recycled within the system. And if needed, seawater can be used, which adds to its environmental friendliness. This approach not only speeds up gold solubilization but also ensures no toxic liquid or gaseous effluents are produced. The solid residues left behind are inert, stable, and non-acid generating—making the whole operation much safer for the environment.
Managing Arsenic and Other Contaminants
Mining and processing often come with the headache of dealing with toxic contaminants like arsenic. DST has developed a proprietary technology that permanently stabilizes arsenic from mining, smelting, and processing operations. What’s more, this solution comes at a fraction of the cost compared to other methods. This means mining companies can manage hazardous materials more effectively without breaking the bank or compromising environmental safety. It’s a win-win that addresses a critical challenge in the industry.
Metallurgical Expertise Driving Innovation
Behind these cutting-edge technologies is decades of metallurgical know-how. DST offers comprehensive support—from process development and piloting to demonstration campaigns—tailored to precious and base metal projects. Their expertise ensures that even complex and refractory ores, which conventional methods can’t handle, are treated efficiently and sustainably. This end-to-end approach helps mining operations optimize recovery while minimizing environmental impact.
Project Impact: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by reducing toxic effluents and stabilizing contaminants
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through pioneering sustainable mining technologies
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting eco-friendly extraction processes
- SDG 13: Climate Action – via reduced carbon footprint and environmental liabilities
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by preventing soil and water contamination from mining activities
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Mining
Dundee Sustainable Technologies is more than just a company—it’s a catalyst for change in the mining sector. By combining innovative chemistry, metallurgical expertise, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, DST is setting new standards for how metals are extracted and contaminants managed. The CLEVR Process™ and arsenic stabilization technologies are just the beginning. As mining continues to evolve, solutions like these will be essential for balancing economic viability with ecological responsibility. The future of mining? It’s cleaner, smarter, and definitely more sustainable.
