- Evonik and the University of Guanajuato formed a partnership to develop sustainable, lower-toxicity chemicals for mining.
- The collaboration focuses on Evonik's biosurfactant platform to reduce toxic reagents in processing copper, silver, gold, iron and rare earth minerals.
- Evonik brings 40+ years supplying mining chemicals (brands include Tomamine and Arosurf) while the University has ~300 years of regional mining education and expertise.
Partnership scope
Evonik and the School of Mining at the University of Guanajuato will develop next‑generation, lower‑toxicity chemical solutions for mining using Evonik’s biosurfactant platform to address rising demand for essential minerals.
Objectives
The collaboration aims to reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations and accelerate Evonik’s go‑to‑market rollout for a portfolio of sustainable chemistry solutions tailored to mining applications.
Target applications
Work will focus on processing and flotation challenges for minerals including copper, silver, gold, iron and rare earths.
Capabilities combined
The University contributes longstanding regional expertise in mining education and processes, while Evonik provides specialty‑chemical development experience to translate biosurfactants into practical mining reagents.
