Outotec and Neste introduce 100% bio-based diluent as a new solution for metals extraction

OUTOTEC OYJ   PRESS RELEASE   JANUARY 30, 2020 AT 10:30 AM

Outotec and Neste introduce 100% bio-based diluent as a new solution for metals extraction

Outotec and Neste have jointly verified the viability of applying Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane™ as a fully bio-based diluent for extracting metals in hydrometallurgical processes. The diluent is based on Neste’s NEXBTL technology and produced entirely from bio-based waste and residue raw materials.

Laboratory studies and pilot trials at the Outotec Research Center in Pori and Neste’s Technology Center in Porvoo, Finland, confirmed the high-level performance of the product for solvent extraction of copper, and it can be also used for other base metals.

Thanks to its renewable origins and being readily biodegradable, the bio-based diluent reduces environmental risk and has a remarkably smaller carbon footprint over its life cycle when compared to fossil equivalents. Moreover, Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane evaporates at a lower rate, which improves copper extraction efficiency and safety due to significantly reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane is fully compatible with conventional fossil diluents at solvent extraction plants, and it can be introduced into the extraction process without any downtime.

“This cooperation with Neste is part of our continuous innovation efforts of improving the environmental performance of our technologies and helping our customers to meet their sustainability goals. In this project, experts from two industries discovered synergies and co-created a new application for Neste’s bio-based product,” says Kari Knuutila, Chief Technology Officer at Outotec.

“Collaboration with Outotec provides us with a great opportunity to introduce Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane as a new 100% bio-based solution to metals extraction. Using Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane as a replacement to fossil diluents provides significant ecological benefits, while simultaneously improving the efficiency, economy and safety of metals extraction processes,” says Mercedes Alonso, Executive Vice President, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals at Neste.

Outotec and Neste have agreed to cooperate in introducing the Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane to metal producers. Outotec will provide technical industry expertise, whereas Neste will be responsible for the production, sales and deliveries of the bio-based diluent to the solvent extraction sites globally.

For further information please contact:

OUTOTEC

Kari Knuutila, Chief Technology Officer
tel. +358 40 779 9566

Saija Kinanen, Director - Corporate Communications
tel. +358 20 529 2044, +358 40 187 5353

e-mails firstname.lastname@outotec.com

NESTE

Alejandra Norén, Head of Production Partners, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals. Please contact Neste’s media service, tel. +358 50 458 5076 / media@neste.com (weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET).

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Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates sustainable solutions for transport, business, and consumer needs. Our wide range of renewable products enable our customers to reduce climate emissions. We are the world's largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues, introducing renewable solutions also to the aviation and plastics industries. We are also a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products. We want to be a reliable partner with widely valued expertise, research, and sustainable operations. In 2018, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 14.9 billion. In 2020, Neste placed 3rd on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable companies in the world. Read more: neste.com

Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane™ in brief

Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane, used either as is or further distilled, is a long-lasting, safe and odorless alternative to traditional mineral oils. It can replace fossil-based content in multiple applications, such as in paints, coatings and lubricants. Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane is produced entirely from waste and residue oils and fats, and its use helps reduce fossil oil based emissions to the atmosphere. It is an environmentally-friendly product as it is readily biodegradable in accordance with the OECD 301 test guidelines. Read more: Neste MY Renewable Isoalkane