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

Descrizione del progetto

Ridurre gli sprechi e aumentare la sicurezza mineraria dell’Europa

La corsa globale ai minerali critici ha creato un collo di bottiglia che costringe le compagnie minerarie a scalare la produzione e a rispettare norme ambientali rigorose. Il progetto LASO-LIBS, finanziato dal CEI, si propone di portare il laboratorio in miniera per fornire dati immediati sulla composizione minerale e sulla durezza. Per farlo, userà impulsi laser per vaporizzare campioni di roccia e fornire un feedback in tempo reale, consentendo alle società minerarie di mirare ai corpi minerari di alto valore con precisione chirurgica. Riducendo il volume di roccia di scarto lavorata, il progetto riduce il consumo di energia, diminuisce i rifiuti chimici e contribuisce a garantire la filiera di materie prime in Europa attraverso un’estrazione più intelligente e sostenibile.

Obiettivo

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.