Diversified resources group BHP has entered into a collaboration agreement with technology companies I-Pulse and I-Rox to identify and develop applications of pulsed-power technology across multiple aspects of the mining industry.

BHP will work with I-ROX, which I-Pulse and Breakthrough Energy Ventures-Europe (BEV-E) established earlier this year, to accelerate the development of I-ROX's technology and business.

I-ROX is focused on demonstrating that short, high-intensity bursts of energy delivered using pulsed-power technology can quickly and efficiently shatter rocks and mineral ores. This process, which targets tensile weakness in rocks, could substantially reduce the time, energy usage and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions currently generated by critical mining activities. The crushing and grinding of ores is the most energy- and capital-intensive aspect of the entire mining process - it is estimated to comprise about 4% of all electrical energy consumption globally and more than half a typical mine's power usage.

BHP has made an equity investment in I-ROX, joining I-Pulse and BEV-E as shareholders.

BHP has also made an equity investment in, and entered into a collaboration agreement with, I-Pulse to identify new applications for pulsed-power technology in a mining context. Within the mining industry, pulsed-power technology is currently deployed by I-Pulse's former subsidiary, Ivanhoe Electric, in mineral exploration via its proprietary Typhoon system.

Further opportunities to develop and commercialise pulsed-power-based applications include drilling, tunnel boring, blasting and explosives replacement.

These collaboration arrangements will link the mining and processing expertise of BHP with the pulsed-power technology and expertise of I-Pulse and I-ROX, in an effort to transform multiple aspects of mining with the potential for economic and environmental upside. This includes materially reducing GHG emissions associated with rock crushing.

“I-Pulse technologies offer transformational improvement potential in so many aspects of life. Pulsed power could enable significant energy savings in mining and manufacturing, as well as opportunities in relation to geothermal energy,” said I-Pulse chairperson Robert Friedland.

BHP CEO Mike Henry commented that the collaboration with I-Pulse and I-ROX would contribute to the group’s growing portfolio of options with potential to improve the competitiveness of, and help decarbonise, its current business.

“We are excited by the opportunity to work more closely with I-Pulse and I-ROX and bring our own expertise to the relationship to together develop these solutions,” he said.

Friedland and Laurent Frescaline founded I-Pulse in 2005. The US company is headquartered in Toulouse, France.