Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute have developed an innovative High Voltage Pulse (HVP) technology that could revolutionise the mining industry by significantly reducing energy consumption and aiding decarbonisation efforts.
The HVP technology employs a short-pulsed discharge similar to a lightning strike to selectively break down mineralised ores while leaving barren rocks intact.
This method, currently in the process of commercialisation, promises substantial energy savings in mineral processing.
Project leader Dr Christian Antonio highlighted the potential of HVP technology to cut down energy use in the mining industry, particularly during the grinding stage, where a reduction of about 30 per cent in processing time and energy consumption has been observed.
“Mineral processing is the most energy-intensive part of mining and is a significant consumer of energy globally.
“This technology makes it possible to choose the material that should go to the processing plant and leave behind material that contains little or no metal.
“By separating ‘barren’ rocks from the valuable mineralised rocks, which are weakened by the lightning strikes, we can cut down processing time and make the whole process more energy efficient,” Dr Antonio explained.
The technology works by targeting conductive mineral particles within rocks, breaking them up with electrical energy similar to how lightning strikes a metallic object.
By integrating HVP technology with conventional mineral processing equipment, rocks are simultaneously zapped and sorted by size, achieving the high throughput required by the mining industry.
HVP technology is a key focus of UQ’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre’s Separation Group, which aims to improve profitability and minimise the environmental impact of mineral separation processes.
Group Leader Associate Professor Kym Runge noted the wide industry interest in the technology’s decarbonisation potential.
“We are currently working on building a business case that will quantify the benefits of this technology, then we will design a HVP unit integrating our technology and progress that to commercialisation,” said Associate Professor Runge.
This research is supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program, alongside industry partners including Newmont and JKTech.
The collaboration aims to bring HVP technology from the lab to commercial mining operations, contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry.
