Codelco Invests in I-Pulse to Enhance Mining Efficiency with High-Pulsed Power Technology

Codelco’s Strategic Investment in I-Pulse for Mining Innovation

Codelco, Chile’s state-owned mining giant, acquired a minority stake in U.S.-based I-Pulse to enhance mining efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company will use I-Pulse’s advanced high-pulsed power (HPP) technology to improve rock fragmentation, precision cutting, and drilling processes. This investment aligns Codelco with global miners like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Newmont, who have also invested in I-Pulse. The partnership builds on a May agreement focused on integrating pulsed energy technology into mining operations.

How I-Pulse’s High-Pulsed Power Technology Transforms Mining

I-Pulse’s HPP technology uses short, powerful electrical discharges to break rock from the inside. This method reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional techniques. Their I-ROX division leverages gigawatt-scale shock waves for rock fragmentation, while G-Pulse technology softens granite to unlock geothermal energy. The combined I-Mine technology aims to enable continuous underground mining without the need for chemical explosives. Codelco aims to leverage these innovations to meet growing demands for copper and other critical minerals while lowering energy use and emissions.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Codelco’s investment in I-Pulse highlights a crucial shift toward technology-driven mining innovation. The high-pulsed power approach offers a transformative solution to energy-intensive mineral extraction. As global demand for copper and critical minerals rises, reducing energy use in mining becomes essential. Codelco’s strategic move positions it as a leader in sustainable mining and sets a benchmark for other operators. This collaboration could accelerate the industry’s energy transition and unlock new efficiencies across key mining regions.