Circular Solutions for Phosphogypsum Stack Regeneration

The presentation introduces FIC-FIGHTERS, a Horizon Europe initiative aimed at regenerating phosphogypsum (PG) stacks through circular economy principles. It outlines the environmental and economic benefits of converting industrial waste into valuable resources, including sodium sulphate, aluminium hydroxide, and critical raw materials such as phosphorus and rare earth elements. The process integrates CO₂ capture via katoite carbonation and promotes sustainable raw material production for cement, detergents, and fertilisers. The project emphasises societal and industrial impacts by creating new circular business models, validating products with multiple sectors, and fostering citizen engagement. A key feature is the PG Exploitation Portal, offering geolocated data on European PG deposits to enable replication and knowledge sharing through a dedicated Community of Practice. Technological development focuses on two chemical routes—NaOH and AMONI—designed under Sustainable-by-Design principles, scaling up to TRL 6–7 with a mobile pilot plant supported by digital twin optimisation. Seven European case studies will demonstrate feasibility, complemented by local workshops and a PG Forum addressing socio-economic and regulatory aspects. Overall, FIC-FIGHTERS seeks to transform waste into resources, reduce CO₂ emissions, and establish replicable models for sustainable industrial practices across Europe.