University of South Africa
Overview of innovation

This technology offers an innovative and eco-friendly method for producing ferric chloride (FeCl₃), a commonly used coagulant in water purification, by recovering Fe(III) from acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is a significant pollutant generated by mining activities and typically contains high levels of iron and other contaminants. The invention enables the conversion of AMD from an environmental hazard into a valuable resource for water treatment by producing ferric chloride through a controlled chemical process. This process involves extracting and converting Fe(III) under optimised pH conditions to produce a coagulant that meets water treatment standards. This approach provides an alternative, local, and sustainable source of ferric chloride, which is particularly important for regions experiencing supply chain disruptions and increasing chemical treatment costs.

Type of Intellectual Property protection
Patent
Innovation Opportunity Type
Investment
Partnership
Industry
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
Waste collection, treatment and disposal activitites; materials recovery
Remediation activities and other waste management services
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 3 – Proof of concept created
Website link
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Research-&-Innovation/Innovation,-Technology-Transfer-and-Commercialisation