As the global shift to net zero accelerates, the demand for low-emission technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels and rechargeable batteries is growing rapidly.
At the core of these technologies are critical minerals — including lithium, nickel and copper — essential components in building a clean energy future.
Yet, extracting these minerals presents major challenges: balancing maximum recovery with reduced water use, safer waste disposal, and cost efficiency.
Jord International, in partnership with the University of Newcastle and backed by Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), has announced a $1.4 million R&D project to address these challenges by advancing its proven VIPER Dewatering Technology.
VIPER was originally developed with the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies.
By adding vibration and compaction to Horizontal Vacuum Belt Filter (HVBF) systems, the technology delivers a cost-effective, scalable way to dewater fine and difficult mining materials.
Crucially, it can be retrofitted into existing operations or supplied as new equipment.
The new project, VIPER 2.0 – Vibration Assisted Recovery of Critical Minerals, will build a bespoke pilot plant at Newcastle’s Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).
This facility will allow Jord International and the research team to refine the system specifically for extracting more value from critical minerals while reducing waste and water impacts.
“This project aims to translate the significant benefits of the VIPER Dewatering Technology to the recovery of critical minerals and handling of mining waste products,” said Dr Peter Robinson, Chief Investigator at the University of Newcastle.
“Conventionally, mineral recovery utilises copious amounts of water. However, with the application of VIPER, we expect to see substantial savings in cost and water requirements.”
A major focus will be on improving the dewatering of mine tailings — the waste left over after ore is processed.
Traditionally stored in large dams, poorly managed tailings can pose environmental and safety risks.
With vibration and compression, VIPER 2.0 not only extracts additional minerals from tailings but also produces a drier waste material suitable for safer dry stacking.
“The landscape of dewatering technologies has advanced significantly in recent years, driven in large part by Jord’s successful deployment of the VIPER technology,” said Sam Caldwell, VIPER Technology Manager.
“As a core element of our innovation strategy, we remain focused on the continued optimisation and enhancement of this platform to expand its applicability and amplify its operational impact.
“We are placing particular emphasis on addressing the evolving demands of the critical minerals industry, where efficient dewatering is essential to meeting production and sustainability goals.”
According to Jord International, VIPER 2.0 is targeting:
- 5 per cent increase in critical mineral recovery
- Up to 10 per cent reduction in water usage
- Lower energy demand across the process
The improvements not only mean more value from existing resources but also reduced environmental impact — key steps toward a circular economy.
Other benefits include recycling water within the processing cycle, producing safer and drier materials for transport and disposal, and opening opportunities to recover minerals that would otherwise be lost in tailings.
With global demand for critical minerals soaring, the need for smarter mining solutions is more pressing than ever.
Jord International is positioning VIPER 2.0 as a practical blueprint for sustainable, scalable mineral processing.
“Our global mining clients increasingly seek innovative technologies that maximise value recovery across their operations, whether through the extraction of previously unrecovered materials, enhanced water reclamation or improved energy efficiency,” said Kevin Barber, Head of Resources at Jord International.
“At Jord, we remain committed to addressing these fundamental challenges by bridging academic best practices with practical, industrial solutions.”
“The end-users of our technology are the world’s leading mining operations, organisations at the forefront of the global energy transition.
“The adoption of advanced dewatering solutions plays a critical role in enabling sustainable mineral processing, ensuring the efficient use of water, energy, and resources necessary for a low-carbon future.”
TRaCE’s financial support and expert network will play a vital role in the project, ensuring the technology can be further developed and deployed across diverse mining applications.
