The Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) has won the C$5 million (US$3.8 million) Crush It! comminution challenge.  

The prize, which focused on energy-saving breakthroughs in comminution, was awarded to CMIC for its CanMicro communition solution.

CanMicro exceeded the challenge guidelines by reaching over 35% energy savings across several commodities, said CMIC.

CMIC's cleantech solution, CanMicro, combines microwave-assisted comminution and multi-sensor ore sorting technology designed to selectively break particles and sort waste from desired minerals, reducing crushing and grinding requirements.

The announcement follows a four-year programme launched in 2018 with the goal of finding innovative solutions for cleaner, more efficient rock processing in the mining sector.

CanMicro was one of six finalists were chosen from nearly 65 applicants, receiving $860,000 to advance their technologies.  

Crush It! is one of six initial clean technology challenges led by Natural Resources Canada under the Impact Canada Initiative - a government-wide approach to introduce innovative approaches to help solve Canada's biggest economic, environmental and social challenges.

"Finding innovative solutions for cleaner, more efficient technologies in the mining sector is key to building a stronger economy for everyone. Congratulations to the Canadian Mining Innovation Council on winning the Crush It! Challenge. Canada is grateful for your work, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we transition to net zero," said Bill Blair, president of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness.