Weir has entered a worldwide collaboration agreement with and a strategic investment in CiDRA to enhance the commercialization of CiDRA's P29 technology. As part of the new agreement, Weir and CiDRA will integrate their efforts globally to increase the use of P29 by leveraging CiDRA's innovation engine and Weir's global reach, product offering and integrated operations.

They will work together to create unique flow sheet solutions to facilitate mining companies' ability to respond to reduced head grades, water constraints, carbon emission targets, and tailings management.

CiDRA CEO Kevin Didden said, “This strategic partnership with Weir represents a transformative opportunity for CiDRA to scale its innovative P29 technology with a partner that has global reach, a customer-centric approach and that is deeply embedded in the mining value chain.

“Together, we aim to shift the paradigm in minerals processing by enabling mining companies to significantly reduce energy and ESG [environmental, social and governance]-related impacts per tonne of metal produced, while unlocking substantial value from in-ground assets.”

Applicable to a wider range of minerals, CiDRA's P29 technology offers a mineral separation solution that can improve recovery and efficiency in the mining industry. It utilises proprietary engineered hydrophobic media for optimising the selectivity, transportation and stripping of processes.

The technology enables the creation of new flowsheets that can diminish energy and water consumption and mitigate the effects of declining ore grades and regulated environments.

Weir Minerals division president Andrew Neilson stated, “We are excited to collaborate with CiDRA, whose track record of innovation aligns strongly with Weir’s mission to deliver mining technology for a sustainable future.

“CiDRA’s P29 technology has the potential to unlock enhanced productivity and sustainability for customers and we are pleased to help bring that impact to mines around the world.”