Global mining group Rio Tinto has partnered with e2v in Essex to develop large-scale microwave and radio frequency generators for use in mineral recovery.

The signing of this MOU with Rio Tinto enables e2v to identify customer engagement and previously reported development orders for the second application of ProWave technology, initially being deployed in vermiculite processing.

e2v will partner with Rio Tinto to develop machines to improve the efficiency of mineral recovery from previously discarded ore, scaling up mineral recovery platforms such as their Copper NuWave™ technology and supporting expected trials later this year at Kennecott Utah Copper in the US. e2v says the machinery will set a new world standard in mineral recovery.

e2v recently reported the first delivery of its ProWave vermiculite processing system for commercial field trial installation, with Silvaperl, a leading UK producer of exfoliated vermiculite.

Silvaperl is using the trial machine to supply its customers. The trial has also identified system requirements and modifications required to process worldwide sources of vermiculite, which will be completed within six months.

Keith Attwood, CEO of e2v said: “With the signing of this strategic partnership, we are delighted to now be able to announce our relationship with Rio Tinto, and the role of ProWave technology in the mineral recovery sector.

“Building on our expertise in microwave and RF sources and power supplies for radar and radiotherapy markets, Prowave can operate at a fraction of the power consumption of traditional fossil fuelled systems and in a more environmentally sensitive way. We are delivering transformational economics to the industrial processing marketplace.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Keith Attwood