The medal comes as demand for metals continues to rise across technologies such as batteries, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, electronics and power networks. These applications require large quantities of materials including copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium, silver and platinum-group metals. At the same time, many easily accessible, high-grade deposits are being depleted, forcing industry to process ores in which valuable metals are present at extremely low concentrations. Such materials are more difficult and expensive to treat because large volumes of rock or industrial waste must be processed to recover relatively small quantities of metal. Lundström argues that the transition to a circular economy will depend not only on recycling more products, but also on developing efficient technologies capable of recovering metals from increasingly complex and dilute sources.

Traditional hydrometallurgy commonly uses aqueous chemical solutions to dissolve metals and separate them from unwanted components. Although these processes are well established, they can require substantial quantities of reagents and may generate waste streams that must be treated before disposal. Electrometallurgy offers another route by using electrical current to drive chemical reactions. In an electrochemical cell, metal ions dissolved in a liquid electrolyte can be reduced at an electrode, where they gain electrons and form solid metal. The process can be controlled through voltage, current, electrode material and solution chemistry. Because electricity directly drives the separation, electrometallurgical systems can potentially operate with fewer chemical inputs and can be powered by renewable electricity, linking metal production more closely to the energy transition.

Among Lundström’s most important innovations is a patented process known as Electrodeposition-Redox Replacement, or EDRR. The technique is designed to recover precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum from solutions in which their concentrations are far below the levels typically handled by conventional separation methods. EDRR combines two electrochemical steps. During electrodeposition, electrical energy is used to concentrate metal ions onto an electrode. A subsequent redox replacement stage enables a more noble metal to be deposited through a spontaneous electron-transfer reaction involving a less noble metal. By repeating and controlling these cycles, the process can selectively accumulate extremely small quantities of valuable material, improving the prospects for recovering metals that might otherwise remain in solution or be lost in waste streams.

The technical significance of EDRR lies in its ability to address the “last mile” of metal recovery. Conventional processes can become inefficient when the concentration of a target element falls below a certain threshold, even if the remaining quantity is economically or environmentally important. EDRR is designed to work at these very low concentrations, allowing recovery from dilute process solutions, industrial residues and recycled materials. Its electrochemical nature also avoids the need for volatile chemicals, a feature that could simplify handling and reduce risks associated with some conventional extraction systems. The technology does not eliminate the environmental impacts of mining or metal production, but it offers a way to recover more of the material already extracted and to reduce losses during processing.

Lundström’s research reflects a wider shift in the way scientists view mineral resources. Instead of treating mining, refining and recycling as separate activities, researchers are increasingly examining the entire life cycle of metals. Waste from one industrial process may contain valuable elements that can serve as feedstock for another, while discarded electronics, batteries and other products can become secondary sources of raw materials. Recovering these elements is technically difficult because recycled materials often contain complex mixtures, surface coatings, contaminants and metals present in small amounts. Selective electrochemical methods could help separate valuable components without requiring the same sequence of energy-intensive and chemically demanding steps used for primary ores.

In 2022, Lundström co-founded Elmery, a spin-out company established to commercialise EDRR and continue its development with industrial partners around the world. The creation of the company illustrates the path from laboratory research to industrial deployment, where performance must be demonstrated under real processing conditions and at commercially relevant scale. Industrial systems must operate reliably with variable feed materials, maintain high recovery rates and produce metals of sufficient purity. They must also be economically competitive and integrate with existing refining and recycling infrastructure. Collaboration with industry can provide the diverse materials, operating data and engineering expertise needed to test whether a promising electrochemical method can function beyond controlled laboratory experiments.

The Faraday Medal is awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry to a mid-career researcher working outside the United Kingdom and Ireland whose contributions to electrochemistry have produced outstanding advances in research and innovation. It is named after Michael Faraday, the English physicist and chemist whose discoveries in electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis shaped modern science and technology. Lundström is the first Finnish researcher to receive the honour. Previous recipients have included Millennium Technology Prize winners and scientists who later supervised Nobel laureates, placing her recognition within a distinguished history of electrochemical research. For Lundström, the award also highlights the growing importance of expertise in metal recovery at a time when the availability of raw materials is becoming a strategic concern.

Lundström has emphasised that metal production will continue to have environmental consequences, even as new technologies make it more efficient. The central goal, she says, should be to make production as sustainable as possible rather than shifting environmental damage from one region or stage of the supply chain to another. Her work therefore addresses both a technical and societal problem: how to supply the metals needed for decarbonisation without reproducing the environmental pressures that the green transition is intended to reduce. By combining low-concentration recovery, recycling potential and direct use of electricity, EDRR represents one possible component of a more circular metals economy. The Faraday Medal recognises Lundström’s contribution at a moment when breakthroughs in electrochemistry could determine whether the world has enough responsibly sourced materials to build its clean-energy future.

Subject of Research: Sustainable hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, critical raw material recovery, metal recycling and the Electrodeposition-Redox Replacement (EDRR) technique.

Article Title: Finnish Researcher Wins Faraday Medal for Electrochemical Metal-Recovery Breakthrough

Web References: Aalto University news and events

References: Royal Society of Chemistry Faraday Medal in Electrochemistry; Aalto University; research and commercialisation activities associated with Professor Mari Lundström and Elmery.

Image Credits: Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University

Keywords

Mari Lundström, Aalto University, Faraday Medal, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, Electrodeposition-Redox Replacement, EDRR, metal recovery, recycling, critical raw materials, sustainable mining, electrometallurgy, gold recovery, silver recovery, platinum recovery, circular economy, green transition

Electrolytic manganese production results in substantial residues that, if managed poorly, can pose significant environmental concerns. Traditional methods for treating such residues often lack efficiency and sustainability. However, the new research highlights how using biomass can transform these residues into economically viable resources. Chen and his team demonstrate that roasting electrolytic manganese residues in the presence of biomass not only improves metal recovery rates but also minimizes the generation of environmentally harmful byproducts.

At the core of this process lies the principle of phase change, wherein the original mineral structure of the residual waste is altered through high-temperature processing. By integrating biomass into the roasting process, the researchers observe a synergistic effect that enhances metal extraction. The use of biomass serves a dual purpose, functioning not only as a reducing agent but also potentially providing a carbon source that could facilitate the transition of metals into a more recoverable form.

One of the key findings of this research is the examination of metal mobility during the roasting process. The authors illustrate how various operational parameters, including temperature and biomass-to-residue ratio, influence the behavior of manganese and iron. This mobility is critical for ensuring that the metals can be effectively recovered during downstream processing, paving the way for efficient resource reclamation while adhering to environmental standards.

Moreover, the findings suggest that the optimal conditions for roasting not only enhance metal recovery but also result in the production of materials that can be utilized in other applications. This opens avenues for creating a closed-loop system, wherein industrial waste is repurposed while contributing to the production of useful materials — all while reducing reliance on virgin raw materials. The implications for industries reliant on manganese and iron are profound, as they could potentially reduce operational costs and improve sustainability metrics.

In addition to technical advancements, the researchers emphasize the environmental benefits of biomass-assisted roasting. Conventional processes often lead to significant carbon emissions and generate hazardous waste. Conversely, the approach proposed by Chen et al. significantly lowers the carbon footprint associated with metal recovery processes. By adopting a greener approach, industries could fulfill regulatory requirements concerning emissions while also appealing to ethically conscious consumers and investors.

As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable practices, findings such as those presented in this study become vital. The research illustrates not just the feasibility of an innovative extraction method but also the importance of integrating environmental stewardship into industrial processes. By utilizing waste biomass, the method illustrates a practical approach to achieving zero waste in industrial settings while simultaneously creating value through resource recovery.

Crucially, the research by Chen et al. incorporates comprehensive analyses backed by experimental data. The team compiled diverse metrics, revealing intricacies in phase transformations and the behavior of different minerals under varying conditions. This depth of analysis not only supports the conclusions but also enriches the dialogue surrounding sustainable practices in metallurgy.

Anticipating future developments, the researchers propose further exploration into the scalability of the biomass-assisted roasting technique. Assessing the practicality of implementing this method on an industrial scale is essential for translating experimental success into actionable change within industry practices. Moreover, future studies could focus on optimizing biomass sources, exploring the most efficient types of wood or agricultural residues that can be utilized in various regions globally.

The multi-faceted approach taken by Chen and colleagues exemplifies the innovative spirit present within current scientific research. By addressing both metal recovery and environmental sustainability, their findings contribute to a broader vision for future industrial practices. The combination of advanced metallurgy with renewable resource utilization demonstrates the capabilities of modern engineering to foster a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, Chen et al. put forth a compelling case for the adoption of biomass-assisted roasting as a method for improving the recovery of vital metals from industrial waste. Their research stands as an emblem of how science can drive impactful change, bridging gaps between metal recovery processes and sustainability initiatives. As industries seek ways to uphold ethical standards while still maintaining profitability, the insights gained from this study serve as a beacon for innovation in resource management. As we strive for a more sustainable future, methods like these could very well reshape the landscape of materials recovery and recycling.

This study’s implications extend beyond merely recovering metals; it signals a necessary shift in how industries can rethink waste management. By harnessing the power of biomass for recovery processes, the findings could help guide new regulatory frameworks that encourage more responsible handling of industrial byproducts. As a result, this research is not just important academically; its practical applications could resonate throughout the industry, inspiring a wave of green technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Subject of Research: Biomass-Assisted Roasting for Metal Recovery

Article Title: Biomass-Assisted Roasting for Fe3O4 and MnO Recovery from Electrolytic Manganese Residues: Unraveling Phase Evolution and Metal Mobility.

Article References:

Chen, X., Sun, N., Khan, M.S. et al. Biomass-Assisted Roasting for Fe₃O₄ and MnO Recovery from Electrolytic Manganese Residues: Unraveling Phase Evolution and Metal Mobility.
Waste Biomass Valor (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-025-03370-5

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Biomass-assisted roasting, metal recovery, electrolytic manganese residues, sustainable practices, phase evolution, environmental impacts.