Validation and commercialisation of a particles removal technology in underground mining operations
BACKGROUND
Controlling fine particles in underground mining poses a persistent challenge, necessitating significant water and energy consumption to manage particle concentrations effectively. Present practices lead to transferring particles from the air to downstream treatment facilities.
Our client, an experienced inventor and entrepreneur, has developed a device that claims to permanently remove particulate matter from underground coal mines, requiring minimal energy consumption and eliminating the need for water. The client was seeking investment to fund the project.
A high-profile strategic investor expressed interest in the invention and provided seed funding for the technology. Before investing further, the investor sought independent validation of the inventor's claims. Additionally, they required a data-driven commercialisation strategy and an assessment of the further investment required to validate the technology in an actual coal mine. This evaluation would also address how the technology could be successfully commercialised, including identifying key obstacles that needed to be overcome to gain market trust.
OUR WORK
Key results
We designed and constructed a simulated environment that enabled safe testing of the device under various conditions. Through independent validation of the technology, we unlocked additional funding for our client.
We assessed the significance of particulate matter as a problem and examined the prevailing methods commonly employed for its removal.
Conducting an independent experimental assessment through a pilot project study, we thoroughly evaluated the inventor's claims. To simulate the generation of coal particulate matter, we designed and constructed a portable simulated environment. We closely monitored and measured the performance of the client's device under various experimental conditions, encompassing different particle dimensions.
Additionally, we formulated a comprehensive roadmap for commercialization and validated the client's key proposition.
Our evidence-based approach instilled confidence and clarity into the investor-inventor relationship.
Services included…
Technology due diligence
Market analysis, market intelligence, and go-to-market strategy
Design, construction, and setup of a simulated environment
Design and execution of R&D programs
Commercialisation and commercial case development
Technology development and scale-up planning
Investor management
CLIENT STATEMENT
“Scimita have been instrumental in achieving critical milestones to help validate our ground-breaking technology. Scimita consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, scientific rigour, and engineering know-how. Their expertise and methods were pivotal in confirming our technology’s effective performance to remove this invisible detrimental pollution.”