Mine Agglomeration Technology (MAT)

Transforming Fine Mineral Waste into Valuable Resources

Proprietary modular technology for industrial-scale recovery of ultrafine mineral waste.

MAT is a compact, modular agglomeration system housed within a standard 40-foot ISO container, delivering industrial-scale processing in a rapidly deployable format.


Using a proprietary extrusion-based process and water-based binders, each MAT unit can process between 1,000 and 1,800 tonnes of ultra-fine mineral residues per day. Depending on the application, operations may recover up to 50% of material that would otherwise remain in tailings or waste streams, improving resource efficiency and extending the value of existing mineral reserves.


Unlike conventional pelletising or sintering systems, MAT does not rely on large, permanent processing infrastructure. Its modular design enables rapid deployment, relocation and scalable production, providing operators with greater flexibility while reducing capital investment requirements.


The result is a more efficient approach to mine waste management reducing reliance on tailings storage, improving material stability for transport and downstream processing, lowering environmental impact, and creating new commercial value from previously uneconomic fine mineral residues.


Why MAT is Different


MAT is modular technology developed to recover value from ultrafine mineral waste at industrial scale through a rapidly deployable, high-throughput process.

  • Industrial-Scale Processing
  • High Throughput
  • Modular & Relocatable
  • Rapid Deployment
  • Lower Capital Requirements


A Global Resource Recovery Opportunity

Billions of tonnes of legacy mine waste remain underutilised worldwide, representing one of the mining industry's largest untapped resource recovery opportunities.

Across the UK, Europe, Africa and many other mining regions, historic tailings and fine mineral waste continue to contain commercially valuable minerals. Growing demand for critical minerals, resource security and sustainable mining practices is accelerating investment in technologies capable of unlocking this value.

Global Opportunity

Legacy mine waste represents a substantial untapped mineral resource with the potential to unlock significant long-term commercial value.

Critical Minerals

Increasing demand for critical minerals is driving renewed interest in recovering value from existing mine waste.

Market Drivers

Environmental regulation, ESG commitments and resource security are accelerating investment in sustainable recovery technologies.

Commercial Opportunity

Mining companies are seeking commercially viable solutions that convert legacy liabilities into productive mineral assets.

The Mine Agglomeration Process

MAT transforms fine mineral waste into stable agglomerates that can be safely transported, processed and reintroduced into the mining value chain.


Environmental Impact Reduction


By converting waste fines into usable material, MAT helps reduce long-term reliance on tailings storage while lowering associated environmental management requirements.


Operational Efficiency


The process stabilises large volumes of fine mineral material for reintroduction into downstream processing, improving resource utilisation and operational efficiency.


Circular Mining


MAT supports a more circular mining model by transforming previously discarded materials into valuable recoverable resources.

  • Waste Material Collection

    Fine mineral residues are recovered directly from existing mining waste streams, including:

    Tailings storage facilities

    Slurry ponds

    Process plant discharge

    Fine material stockpiles


    Collection uses established site methods such as:

    Pumping

    Dredging

    Mechanical excavation


    These conventional techniques allow material to be recovered with minimal disruption to ongoing mining operations.

    Depending on the source, recovered fines may contain elevated moisture levels. Where required, the material is allowed to drain naturally or undergoes simple mechanical dewatering to achieve a suitable condition for processing. This preparation stage is straightforward and integrates easily into standard site handling practices.

    Once prepared, the material is transferred to the MAT process where proprietary agglomeration technology binds ultra-fine particles into stable agglomerates.

  • Agglomeration & Process

    Prepared fine mineral material is blended with the proprietary MAT agglomeration agent before entering the controlled compaction stage.


    Moisture content is continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain optimum binding conditions and consistent agglomerate formation.

    The conditioned material passes through a purpose-designed MAT die and press system, engineered to operate in combination with the proprietary MAT agglomeration fluid.

    Under controlled pressure, the material is compacted into uniform, durable agglomerates suitable for handling, storage, transportation and downstream mineral processing.

    Unlike conventional pelletising or sintering, the MAT process is designed specifically for ultra-fine mineral residues, enabling high-throughput agglomeration using a modular, containerised system.

  • Formation of Stable Agglomerates

    The MAT compaction process produces dense, stable agglomerates with excellent mechanical strength, water resistance, and long-term durability. These engineered agglomerates are designed to withstand handling, transportation, storage, and downstream processing.

    The proprietary water-based MAT agglomeration fluid stabilises the material without fundamentally altering the mineral characteristics of the original feedstock. This allows the agglomerates to remain fully compatible with conventional downstream processing.


    Compatible with existing handling and mineral processing systems.

    Significantly easier and safer to handle than loose fines.

    Resistant to dust generation during handling and transport.

    Maintain structural integrity without readily breaking down into fines.

    Suitable for bulk storage, transportation, and downstream mineral recovery.


    The finished agglomerates can be safely stored, transported, sold, or reintroduced into mineral recovery and downstream processing operations, transforming previously problematic waste into a commercially valuable resource.

  • Mineral Recovery

    Once stabilised, the agglomerated material can be safely handled, transported, and reintroduced into conventional mineral processing circuits. Depending on the commodity and recovery route, this may include leaching, crushing, flotation, smelting, or other established extraction processes.

    By transforming loose mineral fines into stable agglomerates, MAT improves the recovery potential of material that would otherwise remain difficult to process or be discarded as waste.


    Easier and safer to handle.

    Suitable for conventional transport and storage.

    Compatible with existing mineral processing systems.

    Designed to maximise recovery of valuable minerals contained within previously underutilised fines.


  • Resource Reuse & Circular Value

    Through the MAT process, material previously regarded as waste is transformed into a valuable mineral resource. Stable agglomerates can be safely stored, transported, sold, or reintroduced into conventional mineral processing operations, extending the value of existing mineral assets.


    By recovering and repurposing fine mineral residues that would otherwise remain in tailings storage facilities or waste stockpiles, MAT helps mining companies unlock additional value from existing resources while reducing environmental liabilities. This supports a more circular approach to mining, where previously discarded materials become commercially useful products rather than long-term waste.

Deployment

MAT is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing mining operations with minimal disruption to established processing infrastructure. Depending on site requirements, the modular system can be deployed adjacent to tailings storage facilities, processing plants, or fines stockpiles, allowing material to be recovered and processed close to its source.

Each MAT system is housed within a standard 40-foot ISO container, enabling straightforward transport using conventional logistics networks and rapid installation on site. Once a recovery programme is complete, the unit can be relocated and redeployed, providing a flexible, scalable solution for multiple projects and locations.

Developed and validated for

industrial deployment

  • Developed in Africa
  • Proprietary engineering and process know-how
  • Demonstrated across multiple mineral applications
  • Modular containerised deployment
  • Designed for commercial-scale deployment