Ivanhoe Mines has replaced a $76 million loan receivable from High Power Exploration (HPX) with an equity investment in I-Pulse Inc. (I-Pulse), the parent company of HPX. I-Pulse is a global leader in pulsed-power technology, which has applications in various industries including mining.
Ivanhoe Mines also intends to enter into a collaboration agreement with I-ROX, an I-Pulse subsidiary, to explore and develop the use of pulsed-power technology in the mining sector.
Furthermore, Ivanhoe Mines and I-ROX are working together to investigate the deployment of I-Pulse technology across Ivanhoe’s mining operations. The goal is to leverage the mining expertise of Ivanhoe Mines and the pulsed-power technology and expertise of I-Pulse and I-ROX to transform the economic and environmental impact of mining.
The pulsed-power technology developed by I-Pulse has the potential to significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of crushing and grinding mineral ores, which are energy-intensive processes in the mining industry. I-ROX has demonstrated that short bursts of electrical energy delivered through pulsed-power technology can efficiently break down rocks and mineral ores, potentially reducing the time, energy usage, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining activities.
In December 2022, mining conglomerate BHP entered into a collaboration agreement with I-Pulse and its subsidiary I-Rox and also invested in an equity position in the latter based on the potential of the technology to help decarbonise its current business, and also unlock new growth opportunities in mining.
Source: PRESS RELEASE
Image Source (Videograb): Ivanhoe Mines