ABOUT IONTECH

Established in 1999 by Valeri Tsekov, Iontech 2000 has grown into a specialized Bulgarian project engineering company focused on mining, hydrometallurgy, resource recovery, and environmental technologies.

1999
founded
25+
years
100+
projects
2
copper plants

Over more than two decades, the company has built a strong foundation of scientific knowledge, metallurgical expertise, and practical engineering experience, developing solutions for the processing of primary and secondary resources, tailings, industrial residues, and water streams.

HISTORY

2003
First of its kind in Bulgaria
TZAR ASEN COPPER PROJECT

Iontech 2000’s first major installation was the Tzar Asen Copper Project, the first fully integrated hydrometallurgical plant of its kind in Bulgaria. Developed for the production of high-purity copper cathode from pregnant leach solution (PLS) generated by dump leaching, the plant integrated continuous ion exchange (IX), solvent extraction (SX), and electrowinning (EW). The plant entered operation in 2003, enabling selective copper recovery and the production of 99.99% pure copper cathodes.

ION EXCHANGE (IX)SOLVENT EXTRACTION (SX)ELECTROWINNING (EW)99.99% Cu CATHODES
2012
Integrated end-to-end process
BUCIM COPPER PROJECT

The Bucim Copper Project further established Iontech 2000 as a specialist in integrated end-to-end hydrometallurgical process solutions. The project uses Iontech’s Leach–Ion Exchange–Solvent Extraction–Electrowinning (L-IX–SX–EW) process, combining ion exchange and solvent extraction in a two-stage concentration and purification system, followed by electrowinning to produce high-purity copper cathodes meeting LME Grade A specifications. The plant became operational in 2012, demonstrating the successful application of Iontech’s technology at an industrial scale.

L–IX–SX–EW PROCESSTWO-STAGE PURIFICATIONLME GRADE A CATHODES

MISSION AND VISION

Iontech 2000 combines applied research, metallurgical testing, and process development with practical engineering to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation. Our multidisciplinary approach enables us to understand the specific characteristics of each resource and develop efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to the requirements of each project.

Our objective is to help clients maximize the value of their resources, improve process efficiency, recover valuable metals, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact.

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Project development cycle

From laboratory testing and technology evaluation through process design, engineering, implementation, commissioning, and technical support, we provide integrated solutions throughout the project development cycle.

Laboratory testing
Technology evaluation
Process design
Engineering
Implementation
Commissioning
Technical support

Built on technical expertise, innovation, and long-term client relationships, Iontech 2000 continues to develop its technologies and capabilities to address the evolving challenges of the mining, metallurgical, and environmental industries.

We are committed to delivering practical solutions that create measurable value for our clients while supporting more efficient and responsible resource utilization.