Australian mining technology company DryFlow Magnetics has signed off on its first commercial-scale waterless mineral processing technology unit as it prepares for export to the US.

The company’s patented technology enables mining companies to upgrade iron-ore and recover critical minerals without the need for large water volumes as is the case with conventional processing methods.

As mining companies increasingly aim to develop resources in water-scarce regions, DryFlow says its waterless mineral processing technology has been developed to unlock mineral deposits in water-stressed regions while offering a more environmentally sustainable approach to mineral processing to help meet the growing demand for high-grade iron-ore required for lower-emissions steelmaking in the future.

This technology was developed with support from Australia’s national science agency the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the government of South Australia.

“The modular production unit unveiled today was designed and manufactured in South Australia and will be shipped to the western US for deployment at an operating mine to significantly improve the grade of the ore and open new markets for the mine owners.

“The project forms part of DryFlow's expansion into the US, alongside the establishment of a research laboratory in Texas, supporting a collaborative critical minerals research partnership.

“The US project will inform the development of DryFlow's next-generation 200 t/h modular commercial system. The first units of this platform will be deployed for validation under a commercial agreement with Peak Iron Mines in South Australia with federal government grant assistance,” the company says.

Meanwhile, DryFlow explains that it has progressed from domestic research and development to international commercialisation with support from government and private investors.

Following a $10-million seed round backed by venture capital companies Orion Industrial Ventures, Virescent Ventures and Taronga Ventures, the company extended the round to $12.5-million in June, with additional investment from technology venture capital company Significant Ventures, to fund its US expansion.

“Australia is the world's largest exporter of iron-ore and DryFlow's early commercial traction in Australia and the US highlights the growing global demand for Australian-developed mining and minerals processing innovation,” the company concludes.