Betolar, EcoGraf, and GTK collaborate to transform Epanko mine tailings using Betolar’s metal extraction technology

The aim of the collaboration is to assess the usability of the mine tailings generated by the project using Betolar’s metal extraction technology. The method enhances the metal recovery, while the same process produces low-carbon circular cement.

The collaboration is based on a Memorandum of Understanding on 10 February 2026, under which the parties will assess the commercial and technical potential of the graphite project’s tailings as part of circular economy-based material solutions.

EcoGraf is developing the TanzGraphite natural flake graphite business, commencing with the Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania, to provide a long-term, scalable supply of feedstock for EcoGraf® battery anode material processing facilities, together with high quality large flake graphite products for specialised industrial applications. According to EcoGraf’s estimates, approximately 0.9 million t of tailings will be generated annually during the first ten years of operation of the Epanko project in Tanzania. The collaboration will examine whether these side streams can be processed using Betolar’s metal extraction technology and whether the low-carbon circular cement produced in the same process could be utilised as a cement-replacing binder in construction.

Metal recovery and circular cement from the same process

In previous pilot projects, Betolar’s metal extraction technology has achieved recovery rates of up to 99% for critical and strategic metals. The low-carbon circular cement produced as an output of the same process offers an alternative to traditional cement and supports the construction sector’s transition towards lower emissions, thereby contributing to global climate goals. Carbon circular cement produced as an output of the same process offers an alternative to traditional cement and supports the construction sector’s transition towards lower emissions, thereby contributing to global climate goals.

Epanko’s sidestreams as part of a scalable circular economy

EcoGraf’s mine tailings have the potential to serve as a significant feedstock for both metal recovery and the production of low-carbon construction materials. The collaboration offers an opportunity to transform high-volume mining sidestreams into value adding products and to support the transition of the mining and construction sectors towards circular economy. The collaboration offers an opportunity to transform high-volume mining sidestreams into value-adding products and to support the transition of the mining and construction sectors towards a circular economy.

“Entering this cooperation is a great step for Betolar as we explore together how our new Metal Extraction Technology can transform mine tailings from waste into new value. It also highlights the growing interest in sustainable mining practices globally including in Africa,” says Jyri Talja, EVP Mining & Metals at Betolar.

Supporting EU and Finnish circular economy objectives

The project is aligned with the circular economy and resource efficiency objectives of the European Union and Finland. The parties intend to jointly seek funding for technical, commercial, and environmental studies to further develop the concept.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/19022026/betolar-ecograf-and-gtk-collaborate-to-transform-epanko-mine-tailings-using-betolars-metal-extraction-technology/