For Immediate Release
July 5, 2022
MABC Challenge Winner Reduces Water Use in Mining
VANCOUVER, BC/CNW/ – Foresight Canada and the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) are pleased to announce Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd is the winner of the Mining Innovation Challenge: Reducing Water Use.
The Challenge sought solutions to reduce water use intensity at operating BC mines, with the winner receiving a $150,000 prize and a potential opportunity to pilot the technology if there is an appropriate fit with a mine.
After a rigorous two stage evaluation process, Langley, BC’s Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd won with their Large Scale Linear Fluid-Driven Peristaltic Pump. Their technology will limit water waste for slurry liquefaction and enable tailings to be delivered to a storage facility with much higher density than currently possible. It will also allow water to be reclaimed for use at the concentrator and will enable more sustainable tailings storage techniques. Pilot opportunities are being explored for this technology.
Special mention also goes to finalist and Foresight alumni, 2S Water Incorporated, for their AquaValid Sensor. This innovative solution offers BC’s mining sector real-time data collection on metal concentrations in water in order to increase water reuse and reduce freshwater consumption.
The mining industry uses a large quantity of water through the mill, mineral processing, and tailings processes. This water needs to be sourced, stored, and treated. Foresight is proud to have led this challenge with MABC to identify innovation that reduces water use intensity while achieving the same mineral recovery, and keeping water clean.
Competition Background
The Mining Innovation Challenge was announced in December 2021 and provided an informational webinar to interested organizations in January 2022.
The first phase of the competition (Expression of Interest) concluded on February 18, 2022, and received more than 25 applications from small and medium businesses, as well as larger established companies based in Canada and around the world.
The second phase of the competition (Full Project Proposal Stage) began on April 1, 2022 and concluded on May 12, 2022 with the five finalists submitting their detailed project proposals for evaluation:
- 2S Water Incorporated
- Envirobay Inc.
- Forward Water Technologies
- Reveau Technologies & Solutions Inc.
- Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd.
Evaluation was based on a combination of technology readiness, technical excellence, innovation, additional impact, and resources and implementation plan. PwC was the Fairness Evaluator for the Challenge.
This two-phase Challenge was led by MABC and Foresight Canada, in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, Newcrest Mining, Teck Resources Limited, Natural Resources Canada, PwC, the Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals Mining (BRIMM), the Global Mining Guidelines Group, and the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC).
Quotes
“Congratulations to Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd, and all the finalists in this Challenge. By connecting corporate leaders facing sustainability hurdles with market-ready cleantech innovators, we can accelerate Canada’s path to a green economy. Sepro’s innovation could have enormous environmental and economic benefits for Canada’s mining sector and beyond.” – Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada.
“We’re pleased our Challenge has identified a new technique to reduce water use and potentially enable better tailings storage techniques at BC mines using a new innovation designed by BC-based Sepro Mixing and Pumping. Congratulations to Sepro, and thank you to all of the sponsors, partners and contributors who made our first Mining Innovation Challenge a success.” – Michael Goehring, President and CEO, MABC.
“We believe we have achieved a breakthrough in peristaltic pumping that will substantially reduce the amount of water taken from the environment for mineral processing and allow construction of safer tailings storage facilities at lower cost than previously achievable. The recognition from winning this prize will be very helpful in establishing a Beta site. We are hopeful the credibility gained will allow us to advance the schedule for field trials by at least one year.” – Steve McAlister, Director, Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd.
“With our abundance of minerals and our ingenuity, Canada can become an even greater mining superpower in a world where critical minerals and rare earths are used to move toward a greener future. Congratulations to Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd, and all the finalists in this year’s Mining Innovation Challenge that represent the kind of ingenuity that will drive Canadian mining toward an even brighter future.” – The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources (Government of Canada)
“Mining is a foundational industry in B.C. and will continue to play a critical role in the growth of our province and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Congratulations to Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd, and all the finalists in the Mining Innovation Challenge for demonstrating clean-tech innovation and commitment to safety.” – The Hon. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (Government of British Columbia)
“Congratulations to Sepro Mixing and Pumping, and all other participants in the challenge. Innovation is a critical component to the continuous improvement of responsible mining practices. Water quantity and quality management are at the core of responsible mining and increased efficiency of water use is an important environmental and operational objective applicable to all Newcrest sites. We look forward to learning more about this promising technology.” – Patrick Merrin – VP Projects and Planning (Western Canada), Newcrest Mining.
“Teck congratulates Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd. for developing this innovative technology to reduce water use intensity. Enhancing water stewardship is a key priority industry-wide and through initiatives like this Mining Innovation Challenge, B.C.’s mining industry will continue to be a global leader in responsible resource development.” – Jeff Hanman, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & External Affairs, Teck
SOURCE Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
For further information: Media Contacts: MABC: Matt MacInnis, mmacinnis@katana.work, 778-628-1703; Foresight Canada: Elizabeth Thorsen, ethorsen@foresightcac.com, 604-260-0200; Sepro Mixing and Pumping Ltd: Andrew Gillis, Andrew.Gillis@seprosystems.com, 604 888 5568
What makes BC such an attractive place for mining investment and development?
BC is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in providing Canada’s allies and partners with the minerals, metals, and steelmaking coal they need.
British Columbia has or produces sixteen of the fifty minerals the U.S. has identified as being vital to their national interest. Over half – are found or produced in British Columbia, including: aluminum, copper, germanium, gallium, indium, nickel, and many others.
What is the Mining Association of British Columbia?
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) is the voice of British Columbia’s steelmaking coal, metal and mineral producers, smelters, and advanced development companies. Our industry benefits all British Columbians and supports more than 56,000 jobs, $27 billion in economic activity for British Columbians, and nearly 4,000 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of our province.
Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping Canada and our allies meet our decarbonization, technology, and national security objectives; safely and responsibly.
How does BC compare with other mining jurisdictions around the world when it comes to regulation, innovation, and investment opportunities?
British Columbia is recognized globally for its rigorous regulation and environmental and social responsibility standards.
The provincial government’s move towards accelerating permitting timelines and creating clearer regulatory pathways for mining and critical mineral projects also are helping make BC a very strong global mining jurisdiction.
BC is competitive, but we are not the only mining game in town when it comes to global investors. Jurisdictions that combine strong geology with fast, predictable permitting and innovation incentives are capturing the largest share of new investment. BC has the ingredients to lead — but must continue strengthening regulatory and permitting efficiency, infrastructure planning, and investment certainty to fully realize its potential.
BC can be a global leader in responsible, innovative, and future‑focused mining. The decisions made now will determine whether the province secures that leadership position in the decade ahead.
BC is uniquely positioned to play a central role in providing Canada’s allies and partners with the minerals and metals they need.
What economic impact does the mining industry have on British Columbia, including employment, First Nations partnerships, and local communities?
There are 31 proposed mining projects in BC mining that could deliver more than $90 billion in economic opportunity for Canada.
Mining is the biggest jobs and economic opportunity BC will see in a lifetime. Mining can secure our economic future and long-term prosperity.
Mining is already a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy. The next generation of proposed mining projects presents major economic opportunities for BC.
MABC’s Mining and Metro Vancouver Economic Impact Study identifies 31 proposed new and extended mines across the province, including 20 critical mineral projects, seven precious metal projects, and four steelmaking coal projects.
Construction and development of these mines are expected to generate:
– $90+ billion in total economic activity
– $40+ billion in GDP
– $24 billion in pay cheques
– 286,000+ well-paying jobs
– $12 billion in government revenues
Which commodity is in most demand right now and which province has the most of it?
Right now, the commodities driving the greatest opportunities in BC are copper, gold, and critical minerals — especially molybdenum, battery metals like lithium, and rare earth elements.
BC is Canada’s leading producer of copper and steelmaking coal, second largest producer of silver, and only producer of molybdenum.
What role can BC’s mining industry play in boosting our economy?
Mining supports more than 56,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity, while creating opportunities for thousands of small, medium, and First Nations businesses across our province.
At a time of growing economic uncertainty, mining can secure our economic future by creating jobs that strengthen communities in every region of BC.
What does BC’s mining sector offer Canada and its allies, and why is developing these resources such an important opportunity for the future?
BC’s mining sector has the critical minerals, precious metals and steelmaking coal that Canada and our allies need. Demand for these strategic resources is growing, and we are ready to deliver.
Developing our resources for new markets is a nation-building opportunity that will grow our economy, protect our sovereignty, and make BC and Canada stronger.
Why is now a great time to consider a career in BC’s mining industry?
BC’s mining industry is hiring.
In fact, with the growth of the sector, the industry needs to hire 35,000 workers over the next 10 years.
That means you can be part of a new generation of British Columbians who can take advantage of skilled, high-paying jobs in every region of the province.
