Mine.io at the Forefront of Circularity: Highlights from MINEARC Webinar 3
On November 25–26, 2025, the third edition of the MINEARC Webinar, titled “Water, Tailings, and Circular Economy,” took place online. This event served as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge on sustainable water management and mining waste. The Mine.io project played a central role, represented by Dr. Raul Mollehuara Canales, who delivered two key presentations and served as one of the event’s moderators.
A Distinguished Circle of Organizers
The webinar was funded by the U.S. Department of State / Bureau of Energy Resources. Mine.io acted as a co-organizer alongside fellow Horizon Europe projects AVANTIS and EXCEED. This collaboration highlights the importance of international synergy in driving the mining sector’s transformation toward a Circular Economy.
Mine.io at the Heart of the Discussion
Representing Mine.io, Dr. Raul Mollehuara Canales from the Oulu Mining School (University of Oulu) was a pivotal figure throughout the event. In his dual role as an expert and moderator, Dr. Canales opened the first day and contributed two significant presentations:
- “Connecting the dots for a Circular Mine – Water, Tailings and Circular Economy strategies in Mining” – An opening session where Dr. Canales outlined the vision for an integrated approach to circular mining, linking the challenges of water management with tailings strategies.
- “Electrokinetic assisted tailings management – an operational paradigm transitioning from risk mitigation to resource recovery” – A deep dive within the session focused on tailings as secondary sources for raw materials, including Critical Raw Materials (CRMs).
From Risk Mitigation to Resource Recovery
In his technical presentation, Dr. Canales introduced an ambitious paradigm shift in tailings management. Traditionally viewed as environmental liabilities and risks, mining residues are being reimagined as assets through technologies developed within Mine.io.
Dr. Canales discussed an innovative approach combining:
- Electrokinetics (EK)
- In-situ Recovery (ISR)
- Operational Risk Management (ORM)
This multi-functional in-situ strategy is specifically suited for fine-grained, low-permeability materials. By leveraging electrokinetic developments, the industry can move beyond mere regulatory compliance toward an integrated system that stabilizes waste while recovering valuable elements that were previously technically or economically out of reach.
Why This Matters
As the mining industry turns to lower-grade ores, water demand grows and tailings volume increases, putting stress on ecosystems. The solutions presented by Mine.io at MINEARC Webinar 3 demonstrate that the future of mining lies in technologies that transform “waste” into “resources,” minimizing environmental impact while securing the supply of essential minerals.
We invite you to follow the ongoing progress of the Mine.io project as we continue to implement the ideas discussed during the webinar, building the foundations for a modern and sustainable mining industry.
For more information about the program and speakers, please visit the event page: MINEARC Webinar 3
