Recovery of vanadium from metallurgical industry side streams – leaching and crystallization studies

Thesis event information

Date and time of the thesis defence

Place of the thesis defence

Wetteri auditorium (IT115)

Topic of the dissertation

Recovery of vanadium from metallurgical industry side streams – leaching and crystallization studies

Doctoral candidate

Master of Science Maria Kokko

Faculty and unit

University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry

Subject of study

Chemistry

Opponent

Research professor Päivi Kinnunen, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tampere

Custos

Docent Janne Pesonen, University of Oulu

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Vanadium: A Critical Raw Material and an Untapped Opportunity in Nordic Steel Side Streams

A new doctoral dissertation from the University of Oulu sheds light on an overlooked opportunity in the Nordic steel industry: vanadium recovery from steel production side streams. Vanadium is a vital element used in steel alloys, chemical processes, and battery technologies. Due to supply risks and strategic importance, the European Union has classified it as a critical raw material.
Despite vanadium-containing slag is produced large amount in the Nordic countries, it is currently not used as a resource for vanadium recovery. Existing recovery methods rely on high-temperature, energy-intensive processes that are not necessary for this specific slag type.
The research introduces a low-temperature, environmentally friendly process that supports circular economy principles. The method involves two leaching stages tailored to the slag’s composition:
• Stage 1: Calcium is recovered, enhancing the slag’s overall utilization potential and improving conditions for vanadium extraction.
• Stage 2: Vanadium is leached and separated directly from the solution—without any separation or purification treatment.
Key findings from the study include:
1. A simple and environmentally friendly process has high potential for vanadium recovery from the current steelmaking slag produced in Nordic countries.
2. Pre-recovery of calcium boosts slag utilization and vanadium recovery.
3. Process solutions can be recycled, supporting circular economy goals.
4. A future slag associated with the fossil-free steel production shows close to comparable outcomes in the leaching process.
The research opens the door to a more comprehensive utilization of Nordic steel slag.
Last updated: 14.8.2025