CINTEM advances the digital mill by integrating mineralogy, advanced flotation, machine learning, digital twins, and life‑cycle thinking to enable smarter extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs). 

A circular‑economy‑aligned flowsheet optimizes processes, generates cleaner side streams, and improves early‑stage decisions. Experiments, models, sensors, and LCA feed a closed digital feedback loop. Automated mineralogy‑based simulation and LCA reveal environmental impacts and test circularity options such as tailings reprocessing and multi‑product flowsheets. Online sensors support predictive control and a digital twin for smart optimization. Enhanced froth flotation improves recovery of coarse (>150 µm) and fine (<35 µm) CRM‑bearing sulphides, including from tailings via flash and hybrid flotation. Advanced phosphate separation yields cleaner side streams for new products, underpinned by surface‑chemistry insight for more selective, less wasteful silicate flotation. 

Theme leader organization: University of Oulu 

Contact person: Raul Mollehuara Canales raul.mollehuaracanales@oulu.fi