Niutech Develops New Technology for Strategic Mineral Recovery from Tailings

Niutech, a company specializing in industrial continuous pyrolysis technology, has announced the development of its new-generation titanium-iron tailings reduction and enrichment technology and complete equipment. The system targets the recovery of strategic minerals from low-grade complex associated titanium-iron tailings.

A national-level professional institution has evaluated the technology, deeming its achievement to have reached an "internationally advanced level." A 300,000-ton per year demonstration project utilizing this technology is currently under construction in Linyi, Shandong Province, China. Upon completion, it is expected to become Asia's leading demonstration project for the green recovery of strategic mineral resources.

The new equipment integrates Niutech's proprietary "low-temperature pyrolysis–in-situ reduction" synergistic technology. The company states that this approach significantly lowers reaction temperatures, facilitating waste-to-resource treatment and reducing carbon emissions. This contrasts with traditional methods like high-temperature electric furnace smelting or complex hydrometallurgical routes, promising lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.

The process uses waste plastics and other organic waste as reducing agents, generating reducing gas through low-temperature pyrolysis. This gas facilitates the in-situ reduction of titanium-iron tailings within a single integrated equipment system. The system operates below 700°C, with industrial operating temperatures between 550°C and 600°C. It also integrates waste heat recovery and reuse, reportedly reducing comprehensive energy consumption by over 36% and CO₂ emissions per unit of product by approximately 40% compared to traditional processes. The system is designed for intelligent, safe, and large-capacity continuous operation.