Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, is exploring a partnership with Robert Friedland’s I-Pulse Inc. to implement a technology that utilizes electricity to shatter rocks. Maximo Pacheco, Codelco’s chairman, has expressed interest in collaboration following a recent visit to I-Pulse’s labs. This technology aims to enhance mining efficiency and sustainability, amid increasing demand for critical minerals like copper and lithium.
Codelco, recognized as the largest copper producer globally, is contemplating the implementation of innovative technology developed by Robert Friedland’s company, I-Pulse Inc. This technology employs electricity to break rocks, potentially increasing efficiency in mining operations. Maximo Pacheco, Codelco’s executive chairman, has expressed his positive experience during a visit to I-Pulse laboratories in Toulouse, France, noting the strong rapport established with Friedland, which may lead to future collaboration between the two enterprises.
While formal agreements have yet to materialize, there exists significant mutual interest in pursuing potential joint efforts. Friedland himself has acknowledged these discussions, emphasizing the varied applications of I-Pulse technology across multiple sectors, including mining and manufacturing. Specifically, the I-ROX project utilizes pulsed power to fragment rock, thus decreasing energy consumption and emissions, and has attracted investments from notable organizations such as BHP Group and a fund associated with Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
In addition to Codelco, other major mining entities like Rio Tinto Group, Newmont Corp., and Teck Resources Ltd. have shown investment interest in I-Pulse, according to Friedland. The effort to enhance mining sustainability is crucial for securing public acceptance, especially for Codelco and other Chilean mining firms facing diminishing ore quality, which necessitates the extraction of greater rock volumes to obtain equivalent amounts of copper or other metals. Pacheco highlighted the urgent need for innovative mining solutions in response to the escalating demand for essential minerals like copper and lithium, affirming, “I-Pulse and Robert Friedland have a lot of experience and are doing very interesting things.”
Codelco is exploring a partnership with I-Pulse Inc. to leverage advanced technology for enhanced mining efficiency in Chile. The discussions are indicative of a broader industry trend towards sustainability, as mining operations seek to adapt to dwindling ore quality and increased mineral demands. By potentially adopting I-Pulse’s electric rock shattering technology, Codelco aims to improve energy use and reduce emissions, which may play a crucial role in securing social acceptance for mining expansions. Continued collaboration between Codelco and I-Pulse could mark a significant innovation in the mining sector.
Original Source: financialpost.com
