Outotec and Neste have jointly verified the viability of applying Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane as a 100% bio-based diluent for extracting metals in hydrometallurgical processes.
The diluent is based on Neste’s NEXBTL technology and is produced entirely from bio-based waste and residue raw materials. Laboratory studies and pilot trials at the Outotec Research Center in Pori and Neste’s Technology Center in Porvoo, Finland, confirmed the high-level performance of the product for solvent extraction of copper and other base metals.
The bio-based diluent reduces environmental risk and has a much smaller carbon footprint over its life cycle when compared to fossil equivalents. It also evaporates at a lower rate, improving copper extraction efficiency and safety due to significantly reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane is fully compatible with conventional fossil diluents at solvent extraction plants and can be introduced into the extraction process without downtime.
Outotec will provide technical industry expertise and Neste will be responsible for the production, sales and deliveries of the bio-based diluent to solvent extraction sites to introduce the Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane to metal producers.
