The semi-finalists are vying for the chance to showcase and present innovative and potentially disruptive technologies to a ‘shark-tank' type mining panel headed by Goldcorp chairman Ian Telfer.
He will be joined by four fellow ‘sharks' including University of British Columbia #DisruptMining captain Jacob Yeung, KPMG Australia global head of mining consulting Katie Valentine, Canada's Technology Supercluster CEO Sue Paish and Chrysalix Venture Capital CEO Wal van Lierop.
The semi-finalists are Commercial Pau, which has developed a patented biometric technology called the ‘Digital Remote Lock Out System', which is designed to enhance safety and security on-site while reducing the amount of time required to effectively complete the lockout process; Envisioning Labs, which has developed a concept to reuse mine tailings to produce concentrated solar power reflectors used to generate clean energy and sorbents to reduce pollution; and ETF Mining's modular mining vehicles which are electrified, digital and autonomous, offering improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Gekko Systems, a 20-year-old Australian manufacturer of mineral processing equipment, is presenting on the ‘OnLine Gold Analyser', technology that can determine the gold content of slurries and solutions in real time.
Hydrostor's ‘Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage' technology aims to transform unused mining infrastructure into energy storage systems that help mines manage their energy use and reduce their environmental footprint. The system can serve both the electricity grid and mining operations alike, reducing operational costs and providing legacy mines with new revenue opportunities.
The sixth contestant is RubberJet Valley, which uses a proprietary high-pressure water jet that breaks down large truck and mining off-the-road tires in an environmentally friendly way. The resulting material is then used to produce new tires or other rubber-based products for commercial use.
Now in its third iteration, Goldcorp has invested more than C$10 million in a range of new technologies and companies identified through the #DisruptMining innovation accelerator. The funding has supported companies through the start-up phase into growth and scale-up.
"Look within Goldcorp and across the mining industry generally, you can see it - #DisruptMining is making an impact, spurring innovation, forging new partnerships and accelerating technological change," said COO Todd White.
The three finalists who will make their case for an investment of $1 million will be announced in February. At the sold-out live finale, they will have the opportunity to pitch their innovations to the panel of industry experts and influencers.
Newmont has announced a US$10 billion takeover of Goldcorp to create the world's largest gold producer.
