Haritza: Recovery of metallurgical residues 

HARITZA (Oak, Quercus robur in Latin, hard, with strength and perseverance) aims to persevere for the recovery of complex residues in the metallurgical sector, also looking for alternatives to the generated waste that adds value to other industries.

This project is focused on the recovery of the different types of residual by-products generated by the metallurgical industry (ceramics and metals), without altering the raw material so that it can be reused without loss of properties when used in the different points of use.

For example, in the case of metals, it is possible to constantly recycle them almost infinitely; obtaining a reuse of more than 90%. Therefore, the metal recycling value chain in the EU, and in particular in the Basque Country, contributes to reducing dependence on imported materials and ensures supplies for the manufacture and maintenance of basic infrastructures (construction, communication, transport…).

The foundry industry plays an important role in the recycling of metallic materials. Scrap from the end of the useful life of steel, iron, aluminum or copper components can be remelted and create new products.

However, the sector has a serious problem in the materials necessary to manufacture the product they make, such as the refractories for the kilns, the ceramic and metallic fines from the process itself, as well as many of the materials used. In this context, the need arises to find alternatives to dumping for those residues that are not initially useful for foundry but that can be useful for other uses.

Up to 10 companies participate in this project, including Saitec, in charge of carrying out the eco-design, research and development of new decarbonized and highly durable concrete in marine environments from valued industrial minerals. The objective is to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the durability of the new concrete, increase the circularity of mineral resources and develop easily assembled modular systems, among others.

This project has received funds from the budget of the Department of Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).