Welcome to the exciting world of phosphogypsum processing and its potential in generating critical raw materials. The recent Project Meeting III, held from 22nd to 25th June 2023 at CZU in Prague, Czech Republic, brought together a diverse group of experts and researchers to discuss their progress and explore innovative solutions in this field. Let's delve into the highlights of this engaging event!
Day 1:
Setting the Stage
The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík and Dr. Nils Haneklaus, setting an inspiring tone for the days ahead. The participants, including esteemed researchers and industry professionals, introduced themselves, showcasing the diverse expertise gathered under one roof.
Presentations and Progress
The first day was dedicated to presentations on the progress made by each participant. Through virtual connections, remote presenters shared their findings and advancements.
Dr. Sofia Barbosa enlightened the audience with her exploration of µ-XRF results, revealing elemental spatial analysis and correlations at the micrometric scale.
José Regueira discussed the environmental and toxicological risk assessment derived from various phosphogypsum processing routes.
Linda Maina presented her research on REE leaching from Wizow phosphogypsum.
And then Dr. Yelizaveta Chernysh and Dr. Viktoriia Chubur shared their success in displacement processes at the phosphogypsum dump in Ukraine.
All of that was followed by an in-depth discussion of achieved results so far and plans what will be the further steps.
Over delicious Czech dinner, more discussion was happening.
Day 2:
Discussions and Planning
The second day fostered in-depth discussions among the participants. Delving into the future steps, the group explored innovative solutions for phosphogypsum processing. Valuable insights were exchanged with industrial partners regarding the direct application of phosphogypsum. Over a lunch, scientific outputs and potential research papers were discussed, paving the way for future collaboration and planning. The participants eagerly strategized the upcoming period and laid the groundwork for the next meeting.
Exploring Prague and Farewell
To add a touch of leisure to the productive gathering, a captivating "Walk & Talk" Prague city tour led by Hynek Roubík allowed participants to appreciate the historical charm of Prague - enchanting city. The event culminated with a beer stop on the way and trying some traditional Czech sweets, filled with laughter and reflections on the fruitful discussions and newfound knowledge.
Conclusion
The Project Meeting III was a successful, bringing together researchers and experts in the field of phosphogypsum processing. The presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities opened up new avenues for unlocking the potential of phosphogypsum as a source of critical raw materials. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the participants throughout the event laid a strong foundation for future breakthroughs in this exciting domain.
As the participants departed, carrying with them a wealth of knowledge and collaborative spirit, the legacy of the Project Meeting III continues to inspire advancements in phosphogypsum processing, contributing to sustainable resource utilization and environmental stewardship. Stay tuned for more updates and discoveries as this remarkable journey unfolds
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This work was supported by Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) [Grant Number: TH79020003] under the coordination of the ERA-MIN3 action, which has received funding from the European Union under the Horizon 2020 Program [European Commission Grant Agreement No. 101003575]