Project partners: IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Outokumpu Stainless AB in Avesta
Grant: 298,556 SEK
Project period: 2025-11-15 to 2026-05-15
Contact person: Mayumi Narongin-Fujikawa, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute
Linked to tasks: Prevent and reduce the spread of hazardous substances, Reduce negative impacts on the water ecosystem, Secure the supply and management of water
Purpose and goals
The purpose is to develop new technical solutions that can reduce molybdenum emissions from the iron and steel industry, where current purification techniques are insufficient. By exploring alternative methods at a bench scale, the project aims to contribute to reduced spreading of molybdenum in surface water, which is important for both ecosystems and grazing animals. In the long term, the project will lay the foundation for upscaling and implementation of sustainable solutions that strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish environmental technology. The goal is to explore feasibility at a bench scale and generate documentation for a Phase 2 application regarding innovative solutions for molybdenum reduction.
Expected effects and results
The project is expected to yield new solutions for reducing molybdenum emissions from the iron and steel industry. The results will contribute to better water quality, protection of ecosystems, and reduced risk of copper deficiency in grazing animals. The work will strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish environmental technology and create conditions for international commercialization, as well as contribute to the WWS mission and the UN’s goals for clean water. The project will also deliver documentation and verified concepts for further development in Phase 2.
Planned structure and implementation
The project will be implemented over six months, running several work steps in parallel to verify solutions and create the basis for a continuation in Phase 2. The work begins with a literature study and collection of process data from Outokumpu. Subsequently, bench-scale trials will be conducted under IVL’s direction with two alternative approaches: liquid membrane for selective separation of molybdenum, and optimization of the existing precipitation process. In parallel, a dialogue will be held with environmental technology companies and reference stakeholders to evaluate market potential, dissemination, and possibilities for upscaling. The implementation is based on close collaboration between IVL and Outokumpu. The result will be the foundation for a Phase 2 application.
The text on this page was formulated by the project group itself. The content has not been reviewed by our editors.
Goals and tasks
- Healthy lakes, watercourses, and groundwater
- Prevent and reduce the spread of hazardous substances
- Reduce negative impacts on the water ecosystem
- Resilient supply and management of water in society
- Secure the supply and management of water
