The Process Engineering Department specializes in conducting research and implementing innovative solutions in the fields of mineral processing, metal recovery, and water and waste management. The department’s activities focus on developing and optimizing technologies used in the mining industry, aiming to improve process efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Thanks to many years of experience and the know-how developed since the inception of KGHM Cuprum, the department possesses unique expert knowledge in process engineering and raw material technologies. Long-standing research and completed projects have led to the development of modern and strategic technological solutions for the raw materials industry.

The department carries out expert analyses, research, and implementations in the following areas:

• Optimization of processing operations – analysis and improvement of ore beneficiation and raw material recovery technologies
• Feasibility studies of investment projects – technical, economic, and environmental analysis of project viability
• Implementation of modern water and waste management technologies – development of methods to reduce water usage and treat process wastewater
• Due diligence analyses – assessment of projects and facilities in terms of technology and environmental aspects
• Metal recovery technologies – biohydrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, flotation, and other methods of metal recovery from ores and industrial waste
• Mining waste management – technologies for utilization and reuse of waste in industry and construction
• Design and balancing of technological systems – modeling of ore processing operations and raw material stream analysis
• Element concentration analysis in process streams – research on the efficiency of metal separation and recovery
• Fieldwork in raw material, water, and waste sampling – laboratory analysis and result interpretation
• Modeling and simulation of technological processes – digital representation of processes to optimize their efficiency

The department conducts extensive research within national and international R&D projects funded by national and EU institutions. Key ongoing projects include:

• BATTERFLAI – metal recovery for battery production using lignin-based flotation collectors
• BIOMORE – biotechnological methods for exploiting deep metal ore deposits
• EcoMetals – biohydrometallurgical technologies for the recovery of strategic and rare metals
• PRECON – development of an innovative pre-concentration system for non-ferrous metal ore beneficiation
• HIGHCOPPER, HIENGT – advanced enrichment methods for Polish copper ores
• FLOT-BUD – utilization of the carbonate fraction of flotation waste for construction material production

Thanks to its expertise and know-how, the department is an active industrial partner in developing new technologies, optimizing existing processes, and implementing sustainable raw material management solutions.

The department has long-standing cooperation with companies in the mining sector, research units, and academic institutions, providing:

• Creation and implementation of innovative raw material recovery technologies
• Development of methods to enhance ore beneficiation efficiency
• Development of modern recycling and waste management technologies
• Expert analyses and modeling of technological processes

By integrating research with industrial practice, the department delivers comprehensive technological solutions tailored to real market needs.

With advanced technologies and research facilities, the department provides precise analyses and technological recommendations for the raw materials sector.

The knowledge and experience gathered over the years enable the Process Engineering Department Team to implement modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly technological solutions tailored to the rapidly changing needs of the market.