Enabling on-site mechanical analysis of drill cores for sustainable and efficient mining

Description du projet

Réduire le gaspillage et renforcer la sécurité minérale de l’Europe

La ruée mondiale vers les minerais essentiels a créé un goulot d’étranglement qui oblige les entreprises minières à augmenter leur production et à respecter des normes environnementales strictes. Le projet LASO-LIBS, financé par l’EIC, vise à amener le laboratoire dans la mine afin de fournir des données instantanées sur la composition minérale et la dureté. L’équipe utilisera des impulsions laser pour vaporiser des échantillons de roche et fournira un retour d’information en temps réel. Cela permet aux sociétés minières de cibler les corps minéralisés de grande valeur avec une précision chirurgicale. En réduisant le volume de stériles traités, le projet diminue la consommation d’énergie, réduit les déchets chimiques et contribue à sécuriser la chaîne d’approvisionnement en matières premières de l’Europe grâce à une extraction plus intelligente et plus durable.

Objectif

Mining companies face growing challenges related to efficiency, sustainability, and resource utilization. With increasing demand for metals driven by global megatrends such as electric transportation, renewable energy, and geopolitical pressures, there is an urgent need for advanced technologies that optimize mining operations. We are at the forefront of this transformation with our innovative LASO-LIBS technology, which provides instant, on-site analysis of mechanical, elemental, and mineral properties of ore bodies.
Currently, the mining industry relies heavily on laboratory-based mechanical tests such as the Bond Ball Mill test, resulting in 2-3 month waiting period. Our solution enables instant on-site mechanical analysis, allowing for faster, more accurate decision-making in mining operations. By leveraging proprietary algorithms that analyze optical and acoustic signals generated through laser ablation, our technology provides precise estimations of rock's mechanical properties, as well as elemental and mineral compositions, directly in the field.
This technological breakthrough addresses a critical gap in the industry, as mining companies typically lack adequate tools to estimate mechanical properties on-site. As a result, operations often suffer from inefficient use of electricity, excessive chemical consumption, and the generation of significant waste. Our solution empowers mining companies to optimize operations, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact while improving productivity.
Our solution aligns with the European Union's objectives to increase self-sufficiency in critical mineral production and meet the demands of the green transition. With on-site mechanical analysis now a reality, we are leading the way toward a more sustainable, efficient, and responsible future in the mining industry.