As the world accelerates towards net zero, demand is increasing for low-emission technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels and rechargeable batteries. At the heart of these innovations are critical minerals – including lithium, nickel and copper – which are essential ingredients needed to manufacture the clean energy future.

However, extracting these minerals from ore comes with significant challenges. Maximising critical mineral recovery must be balanced with reducing water use and managing mine tailings, all while keeping costs down.

Jord International is developing a solution to these challenges.

Partnering with the University of Newcastle Chief Investigator, Dr Peter Robinson, and supported by Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), Jord International has signed a $1.4 million R&D project to tailor their already successful ‘VIPER Dewatering Technology’ specifically to critical mineral recovery and waste mitigation.

From proven performance to scalable solution

This new TRaCE project is advancing Jord International’s existing VIPER technology, a system that was designed in collaboration with the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies. Led by Professor Craig Wheeler and Dr Peter Robinson, VIPER optimises the Horizontal Vacuum Belt Filter (HVBF) via the addition of vibration and compaction to the material. This system facilitates a cost-effective and scalable solution to dewatering fine and problematic mining materials. The VIPER system can be retrofitted or supplied new, offering a practical, low-cost pathway to cleaner, more efficient mineral processing.

With ‘VIPER 2.0 – Vibration Assisted Recovery of Critical Minerals’, Jord International will construct a bespoke pilot plant at the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER). Access to these facilities will enable the team to tailor the performance of their vibration and dewatering technology towards mineral recovery and optimise the technology across new applications for commercial deployment.

“This project aims to translate the significant benefits of the VIPER Dewatering Technology to the recovery of critical minerals and handling of mining waste products,” said Dr Peter Robinson. “Conventionally, mineral recovery utilises copious amounts of water. However, with the application of VIPER, we expect to see substantial savings in cost and water requirements.”

A core focus of the project will be to further develop the technology as a practical solution to the challenge of dewatering mining tailings. Traditionally, tailings (the residual waste left over after ore processing) are discarded in large storage dams which, if poorly managed, can pose a significant environmental and safety risk. By applying compression and vibration, the VIPER technology can be applied to the extraction of critical minerals from this waste while enhancing the dewatering process, yielding a drier waster material with the potential for dry disposal.

“The landscape of dewatering technologies has advanced significantly in recent years, driven in large part by Jord’s successful deployment of the VIPER technology,” said Sam Caldwell, VIPER Technology Manager.

“As a core element of our innovation strategy, we remain focused on the continued optimisation and enhancement of this platform to expand its applicability and amplify its operational impact. We are placing particular emphasis on addressing the evolving demands of the critical minerals industry, where efficient dewatering is essential to meeting production and sustainability goals.”

This technology has multiple benefits including:

  • Supporting the reuse of water within the processing cycle.
  • Reducing energy requirements and transport costs by producing a drier, safer material.
  • Facilitating safer disposal methods of waste material in the form of dry stacking.
  • Allowing for additional critical mineral recovery.

Ultimately, the VIPER 2.0 technology aims to increase critical mineral recovery by 5 per cent, reduce water usage by up to 10 per cent and lower the energy consumption of the entire process. This translates to gaining more value from existing resources and having less environmental impact, which is crucial for a circular economy.

Supporting a smarter minerals industry

As the demand for critical minerals grows, so too does the need for smarter ways to obtain them. With their VIPER technology, Jord International is forging ahead in developing innovative solutions to meet this demand responsibly. By improving the efficiency and sustainability of critical minerals recovery, this project offers a blueprint for a scalable solution to support global demand and reduce environmental impact.

“Our global mining clients increasingly seek innovative technologies that maximise value recovery across their operations, whether through the extraction of previously unrecovered materials, enhanced water reclamation or improved energy efficiency,” said Kevin Barber, Head of Resources Jord International. “At Jord, we remain committed to addressing these fundamental challenges by bridging academic best practices with practical, industrial solutions.”

“The end-users of our technology are the world’s leading mining operations, organisations at the forefront of the global energy transition. The adoption of advanced dewatering solutions plays a critical role in enabling sustainable mineral processing, ensuring the efficient use of water, energy, and resources necessary for a low-carbon future.”

TRaCE will support this project by providing essential funding and access to a network of industry experts and facilities. By leveraging TRaCE’s ecosystem, the project team will be able to optimise the VIPER technology across a broad range of applications. For more information on how you can get involved in the TRaCE program, visit www.trace.org.au or contact hello@trace.org.au