Acceleware orders EM-powered heat feasibility studies

Executive Summary

• Acceleware Ltd. has commissioned two paid feasibility studies from BHP to evaluate the techno-economic viability of applying Acceleware’s electromagnetic (EM)-powered heat technology to mineral processing and drying applications.
• The first study focuses on using radio frequency (RF) energy to reduce moisture levels in iron ore from the Pilbara region of Australia, aiming to eliminate processing plant delays.
• The second study assesses the use of RF energy to improve copper production efficiency through heap leaching in Chile by elevating heap temperatures to increase yield.

Key Details

• Study 1 (Iron Ore Drying):
  • Objective: Reduce moisture levels in iron ore from the Pilbara region of Australia.
  • Technology: Radio frequency (RF) energy delivered via Acceleware's EM-powered heat platform.
  • Goal: Reduce or eliminate processing plant delays caused by moisture.
  • Activities: Determining the optimal method for applying RF energy to dry the ore and collaborating with BHP to integrate this heating stage into existing process flows.
• Study 2 (Heap Leaching):
  • Objective: Improve efficiency of copper production through heap leaching in Chile.
  • Technology: RF energy to elevate and maintain heap temperature.
  • Goal: Increase yield compared to ambient temperatures; methods include heating the ore directly, heating the extraction solution, or a combination of both.
  • Market Context: There are more than 200 active heaps worldwide producing gold, copper, silver, and nickel. The global annual value of copper produced via heap leaching is estimated at $41 billion (U.S.).
• Strategic Context:
  • CEO Geoff Clark stated these studies align with the strategy to deliver cost-efficient process heat solutions that increase production for the mining sector.
  • This follows strong results from a previous potash dryer prototype.
  • Acceleware aims to advance iron ore drying and heap-leach heating to unlock new growth opportunities in mineral processing.

Notable Quotes

• "Both studies are new and exciting opportunities to demonstrate how our EM-powered heat technology can transform minerals processing," said Geoff Clark, chief executive officer. "These innovations align with our strategy to deliver cost-efficient process heat solutions that increase production for the mining sector. Building on strong results from our potash dryer prototype, we're eager to advance both iron ore drying and heap-leach heating to unlock new growth opportunities in mineral processing."