Codelco, the Chilean state-owned mining company, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with I-Pulse to explore disruptive pulsed power solutions in mining.
This agreement signifies the commencement of a strategic partnership focused on promoting the development and implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions for the mining sector.
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The partnership is set to explore the use of pulsed power for applications such as rock fragmentation and precision drilling, aiming to address the challenges faced by large-scale mining operations.
These challenges include the handling of older deposits, lower ore grades and increasing global demand in the context of the energy transition.
Codelco chairman of the Board of Directors Máximo Pacheco said: “This alliance reflects our commitment to innovation as a driver of more efficient and responsible mining.
“The possibility of incorporating capabilities like those of I-Pulse, which can revolutionise key processes such as rock fragmentation, is fully aligned with our vision for the future of Codelco and our goal of being a pillar of sustainable development in Chile and the world.”
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By GlobalDataIn a related development, Codelco announced an exploration agreement with BHP for its Anillo property in the Antofagasta Region.
The collaboration is subject to the requirements of Law 19,137, which governs Codelco’s partnerships on non-operational or non-expansion mining projects.
Furthermore, Codelco has announced a new collaboration with Rio Tinto to potentially develop the mining district around Nuevo Cobre in Chile’s Atacama Region.
Nuevo Cobre is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Codelco, with the former holding a 57.74% stake and the latter 42.26%.
The agreement between Rio Tinto and Codelco includes the formation of a joint committee and equal funding to conduct preliminary conceptual studies over an initial 12-month period, which can be extended.
Last month, Codelco signed an agreement to provide copper concentrates to the Adani Group’s $1.2bn (Rs102.47bn) smelter, referred to as Kutch Copper, located in Gujarat, India.
