Clean Invest Africa Plc’s subsidiary, CoalTech Limited, has announced the initiation of Project CLAPS in partnership with ISS International S.p.A, marking a significant step towards the recovery and disposal of coal dust through innovative green technology. The project aims to convert coal dust into pellets for various industrial applications.
Under the Special Revolving Fund for Technological Innovation, the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy granted the research and development project on July 11, 2023. CoalTech will bring its expertise in the mining sector, particularly in waste fines management, to support ISS International S.p.A throughout the duration of the project. The two companies have entered into a Project Development Consulting Agreement, which is expected to generate approximately 1 million euros in revenue for CoalTech over a period of 24 months.
The project, known as Clean Land And Power System or CLAPS, is part of the Framework Program for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe. Its overall objective is to contribute to industrial competitiveness and promote sustainable development and digital and green transition within the European Union.
CLAPS aims to develop an innovative solution demonstrated by a mobile agglomeration plant prototype designed to convert coal dust into pellets. The fully automated mobile test unit will consist of a fines preparation section, a transformation section for pellet production, and a drying section to produce a final product suitable for industrial use.
Immediate applications for this advanced technology will be explored in regions such as Taranto, which was previously home to Europe’s largest steel plant, and Cerano, where the ENEL coal thermal power plant is located. These areas currently face environmental challenges due to the presence of significant amounts of coal fines. Additionally, the Sulcis area in Sardinia presents similar opportunities on a smaller scale.
ISS International S.p.A, the Italian partner of CoalTech, submitted the project funding application on May 11, 2022, and subsequently went through a due diligence phase conducted by the Italian Government Authority in collaboration with Banca Intesa Sanpaolo. The project funding was approved, leading to the project’s official start on August 1, 2023.
Filippo Fantechi, CEO of Clean Invest Africa Plc, expressed his satisfaction with the successful award of this project, highlighting the vast potential and opportunities that CoalTech’s technology offers in different geographic regions. He also emphasized the company’s perseverance despite challenging times.
Giuseppe Bellantoni, Chairman and CEO of ISS International S.p.A, described the CLAPS project as a groundbreaking initiative that will revolutionize the energy and environmental landscape. The collaboration between ISS International and CoalTech aims to set an example for the global energy industry, paving the way for a greener and more efficient future.
Further updates on the progress of Project CLAPS will be provided in due course.
Clean Invest Africa Plc and CoalTech Limited are focused on the recovery and utilization of waste fines minerals, driving sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions within the mining industry.
