| The current technology standard used at Poland’s only industrial-scale desalination plant serves as the benchmark for the ZERO BRINE solution. This technology is energy intensive with limited results in salt recovery due to the inability to recover additional elements present in the feed stream. The proposed ZERO BRINE technology at Bolesław Śmiały aims to cut energy consumption in half while testing a combination of nanofiltration, reverse-osmosis, and electrodialysis for the recovery and reuse of all elements in the feed water, including demineralized water, salt, magnesium hydroxide – commonly used in refractory or heat-resistant materials – and a calcium-rich solution that can be used as a deicing liquid. The remaining saline concentrate can be either sold or used for salt crystallization.
In operation since July 2019, the pilot plant can treat 400 litres of wastewater per hour and is showing promising results that could signal interest for the local industry with 18 active hard coal mines in operation around Poland. The business opportunities of ZERO BRINE are replicable to other industries worldwide. Because of how similar in composition coal mine wastewaters are to sea water, the proposed technology could also be applied in the desalination industry.
Circular processes in industry are essential to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient, and competitive economy in the EU. Recovering all resources from wastewater enhances preserving resources and security of supply. Magnesium is listed by the European Union (EU) as one of 27 critical raw materials, in which the EU is currently 100% import-reliant, with China accounting for 94% of all magnesium supplied to Europe. | 
