Rockburst Technologies receives IGNITE Award by Innovate BC
We are thrilled to announce that Rockburst Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Envisioning Labs has been awarded funding through the IGNITE program sponsored by Innovate BC. We are one of the four companies selected in British Columbia to receive this award intended to accelerate the commercialization of innovation and R&D projects.
Rock comminution is the process of reducing rock size to the point where minerals can be liberated and used commercially. However, current comminution techniques consume up to 4% of global electricity (!) at an efficiency of less than 5% (sometimes even less than 1%).
Our awarded project: "Transcritical CO2 Rock Pulverization" (tCO2) seeks to develop and commercialize a novel rock comminution process aimed at improving energy and operational efficiency, while achieving important GHG reduction and overall minimizing environmental impact. tCO2 comminution takes advantage of the weaker tensile strength of rocks instead of overcoming the stronger compression strength. By using the supercritical properties of CO2 we are able to pressure-infuse the gas into the rock's pores to then rapidly release the pressure causing the gas to expand inside the rock effectively breaking it from within.
“With collaboration at the forefront, these teams are producing technologies that will help protect the environment, stimulate the economy, and improve health and safety for people throughout B.C. The Ignite Awards showcase the innovation and achievement of the phenomenal people that continue to drive B.C.’s tech sector forward.”
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
We would like to express our gratitude to Innovate BC for supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and high-risk, high-reward R&D projects that challenge the status quo and that, if successful, could change the world for the better.
“We’re so excited to be able to help bring these novel innovations to market. We can’t wait to see how these projects develop over the next few years.”
Raghwa Gopal, President + CEO, Innovate BC
Shout out to our fellow awardees, congrats!
Axolotl Biosciences
Ballard Power Systems
Avestec Technologies