Nexo Solutions and Komun Consulting have been recently awarded a decarbonization project in Chile that applies to mining operations. Currently the novel technological solution is in the TRL5 phase of development, ready to be scaled up in copper smelters in mining in Chile. The methodology considers the recovery and conversion of heat energy into electricity from pyro-metallurgical processes in situ.

The electrical energy produced from process waste heat will be used for the production of green hydrogen via electronic cells. This not only enables the decarbonization of mining operations but also incorporates circular economy principles. The hydrogen will be used in many mining applications; however, it will primarily be used for ore transportation. Additional benefits of this technology comprised of the electricity 24/7, low operational costs and also the water use reduction by lowering the heat levels inside the pyro-metallurgical processes.