Synthesis of the research within the framework of the Mineral Concentrates Pilot

The agronomic, economic and environmental impacts of the production of mineral concentrate and its use as mineral fertilizer were examined in a pilot in 2009 and 2010. In this pilot, the mineral concentrates were applied as fertilizer above the application standard for manure, but within the nitrogen application standard of the Nitrates Directive. The study consisted of i) monitoring of products from slurry treatment, ii) research on agricultural and environmental impacts of application of mineral concentrate as fertilizer, iii) research on user experience and an economic analysis and iv) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This report is a synthesis of the results of the various studies. The research data will serve for consultation with the European Commission on a possible permanent permission to use of mineral concentrates as replacement of mineral fertilizers.