Eagle Mine is an underground operation producing nickel and copper.
Eagle Mine, the only active nickel producer in the United States, has been operational since 2014, supplying critical minerals like nickel and copper while supporting local employment. The presence of impurities like magnesium currently limits smelter acceptance and results in valuable nickel being lost in tailings. The D-Solve technology seeks to address these challenges by improving concentrate quality.
Darby Stacey, managing director of Eagle Mine, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “Eagle Mine is excited to be the first nickel producer to pilot D-Solve in a live processing environment.” She added: “We believe this innovation could unlock several critical efficiencies in our process that could lead to extending the life of the mine.” Stacey emphasized the company’s commitment to adopting new technologies to enhance current operations and inform future mining practices.
The D-Solve unit will operate continuously, processing one to two metric tons of concentrate daily. The trial will assess the system’s performance under actual production conditions and its potential for broader application. A prior test in December 2024 at SGS Lakefield in Ontario demonstrated promising results, achieving a 40% reduction in magnesium impurities and an 18% increase in nickel grade, with stable recovery and recyclable biosolutions.
Allonnia’s CEO, Nicole Richards, highlighted the technology’s potential, stating: “Meeting the surging demand for critical minerals requires a fundamental shift in how we extract value from increasingly complex ores.” She further noted: “D-Solve is engineered to unlock value from low-grade ores, improve concentrate quality and reduce environmental impact.” Richards described the partnership with Eagle Mine as a significant step toward demonstrating the viability of biological innovations in mineral processing.
The collaboration aligns with the growing need for sustainable and efficient methods to extract critical minerals. By testing D-Solve in a live environment, Allonnia and Eagle Mine aim to validate a solution that could enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and potentially extend the mine’s lifespan. This initiative underscores the importance of innovative technologies in addressing the challenges of processing complex ores while supporting the supply of essential minerals for global markets.
