3M, through its New Ventures Business, has invested in Lixivia, a Chile-based company that 3M has been working with on an engineering process to increase recuperation of copper sulfurate above levels reached through standard industry applications. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Stefan Gabriel, president, 3M New Ventures, said: “We believe that Lixivia’s innovative technology addresses core issues of mining companies today. This company has the potential to significantly increase miners’ diminished productivity and recover more copper sulfurate, which is a paradigm shift for miners’ operations.”
Lixivia’s patented technology consists of a catalyzing process that was tested at 3M’s facility in Antofagasta. There will be pilot tests during 2014, and by 2015 the new technology is expected to be ready for implementation in mining sites and possibly exported globally to copper mines.
“We consider 3M an important strategic partner known for its continued efforts in developing innovations and as a leader in technology,” said Alejandro Cartagena, executive director and founder of Lixivia.