The Coalition for Energy Efficient Comminution (CEEC) announced a collaboration sponsorship with the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources (IMER) to research solutions that use solar thermal heat in the comminution process.
Prior IMER research findings indicate solar thermal heat can weaken rocks, reducing the need for fossil fuel-derived mechanical energy used in crushing and grinding, according to IMER manager Chris Matthews.
He said the ongoing IMER and CEEC relationship previously contributed to the research. “After involvement in CEEC’s workshop, we forged new collaborations, including an exciting industry partnership, which plans to trial the use of solar thermal energy to enhance comminution.”
