SIMMET (Stainable and Innovative Metals and Minerals Extraction Technology) Research Group

The SIMMET research group is a multidisciplinary research group comprising various academic staff members and postgraduate students at the University of the Witwatersrand.

In our research we aim to change, adapt and develop new extraction technology for metals from a variety of matrices, such as industrial waste materials, metallurgical slags, virgin ores (high and low grade) and tailings. In the process the group investigates the use of organic acids, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and ionic liquids to replace conventional mineral acids and high temperature pyrometallurgical processes (roasting, smelting) to improve the environment footprint of traditional hydrometallurgical and minerals processing processes, improve their efficiency and optimise recycling of reagents.

The scope of work includes noble metals and a number of base metals, as well as rare earth elements (REEs) and battery/electronic component metals. We work closely with partners in the mining industry to assist with problem solving and provide postgraduate students with relevant and hands-on training during their research projects.