High Voltage Pulse-Enhanced Leaching of Mineral Ores

This Resourcing Decarbonisation project from The University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute is developing short-pulsed high voltage discharges, which act like a lightning strike to selectively break mineralised ores whilst keeping barren rocks intact. This selectivity makes it possible to choose the material which should go to the processing plant and leaving behind material which contains little or no metal.

“The expected outcome is a proof of concept of the technology of HVP leaching and what ores are applicable to it,” Dr Christian Antonio said.

Christian Antonio's Presentation at the Resourcing Decarbonisation Showcase 2025