The original goal had been to find a clean sustainable solution for efficiently extracting hydrocarbons from unwanted constituents such as solids and water by good separation of the phases. The improved separation efficiency achieved with ionic liquids in itself constitutes a positive for the environment. The TNSTM dewatering technology brings robustness to dewatering of tailings regardless of clays. Apart from the reduction in capital and operating costs, the gained dewatering reliability means that the holy grail of filtered tailings becomes possible for all tailings. This is not only a huge step to safer tailings storage but also in water utilization and minimization of water usage by the mining and resources industries. A much greater benefit to the environment.