Project duration: 01.06.2024 – 31.05.2028 (48 months)
Consortium: 26 partners across European countries (industrial enterprises, research centres, universities, NGOs, and local authorities)
Grant Agreement: No. 101135157
Funding Programme: Horizon Europe (European Union)
Project website: https://fic-fighters.eu/
Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product of industrial production, the accumulation of which places significant environmental pressure on surrounding urban areas and communities across Europe. Previous studies show that the valorisation of this waste enables the production of valuable secondary raw materials for the production of commercial products with high added value. The processing of phosphogypsum minimises the negative impact on the environment, reduces the volume of industrial waste, helps to reduce the carbon footprint, and ensures a domestic supply of materials for key industrial sectors.
To assess and realise the potential for recycling, the FIC-Fighters project will develop and demonstrate innovative technologies for processing phosphogypsum for applications in the paper, cement and battery industries, as well as in the production of fertilisers, packaging and cleaning products. At six pilot sites across Europe, the characteristics of the waste will be analysed and processes for the separation and extraction of valuable components (sodium sulphate, rare-earth elements, phosphorus, aluminium hydroxide, etc.) will be adapted.
A modular, mobile pilot system will be developed and deployed to conduct pilot studies, test technologies using ‘digital twins’ and assess scalability (TRL 6–7). Technological developments will be accompanied by life cycle assessments (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC) analyses, and studies of environmental, social and gender impacts. To engage cities, the public and the business sector, a European Operations Portal (PEPE) and a Phosphogypsum Forum will be established, and a Community of Practice will be developed.
FIC-Fighters will unlock the potential of unexplored industrial resources and roll out solutions to help Europe achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal and support the transition to fair, inclusive and clean cities.
The Ukrainian Association of Geologists takes part in the FIC-Fighters international project. As part of the project, UAG helps to engage stakeholders, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and disseminate research outcomes.