Evonik partners with University of Guanajuato, Mexico, to advance sustainable mining chemistry

Essen, Germany. Evonik has entered a strategic partnership with the School of Mining at the University of Guanajuato in Mexico to develop next-generation sustainable and lower-toxicity chemical solutions for the mining industry. The collaboration leverages Evonik’s biosurfactant platform to address the rising global demand for essential minerals, while reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations.

“As the world’s need for minerals such as copper, silver, gold, iron and rare earth minerals continues to surge, so is the pressure on mines to adopt less toxic and more sustainable materials,” said Raymond Pieternella, Global Segment Head Oilfield & Mining Chemicals at Evonik. “By working with a leading academic institution, we are driving this shift and enabling our customers to meet both production and environmental goals.”

The partnership will accelerate Evonik’s go-to-market strategy for its new portfolio of sustainable, lower-toxicity chemistry solutions tailored for mining applications. By combining Evonik’s expertise in specialty chemicals with the deep knowledge in mining processes at the University of Guanajuato, the collaboration aims to deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

With roots dating back nearly 300 years to the early days of mining in the region, the University of Guanajuato has long been a center of excellence in mining education and innovation. Established during a period when European exploration in the Americas was driven by demand for precious metals, the institution has played a pivotal role in advancing mining technologies.

“The development of mining technologies has been central to our mission since the foundation of this university,” said Dr. Martin Caudill Gonzalez, Head of the School of Mines at the University of Guanajuato. “We are excited to partner with Evonik to continue this legacy while focusing on sustainability and safer chemical processes.”

Evonik brings more than 40 years of experience supplying high-performance specialty chemicals to the mining sector. Its established brands include Tomamine® and Arosurf® solutions for flotation and reverse flotation needs. Evonik was the first company to develop an industrial-scale process for sustainable biosurfactants, enabling their use across diverse industries from personal care to coatings, and now mining and oilfield applications.