Ion sensors could reduce toxic waste emitted from mines

Chemistry associate professor Philippe Buhlmann in the university’s college of science and engineering developed the ion selective electrode (ISE) sensor. Startup United Science will now complete the design and commercialise the technology, which is already being tested in the mining industry.

ISE sensors are used to detect and measure a specific ion in complex chemical solutions used in mining, food safety and health sciences. They can be used in caustic, high-pressure environments such as mining, as well as applications in food safety.

Miners often use toxic chemical reagents to draw out valuable ores during the mining process, but often use more than necessary to ensure all the ore is extracted. By detecting and measuring the concentration of such chemicals, the sensor would allows miners to use less of them, resulting in less toxic material in the waste stream.

According to United Science, if implemented industry-wide the sensors could eliminate at least 24 tons of toxic waste emissions per mine. While the company is currently focusing on copper mines, the technology may be extended to iron mines.