Memorandum of Understanding on ‘Mine of the Future’ Programme

e2v (UK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rio Tinto to develop large-scale ProWave microwave and radio frequency generators for use in world-leading mineral recovery.

Rio Tinto will partner with e2v to develop machines to improve the efficiency of mineral recovery from previously discarded ore. The machinery will set a new world standard in mineral recovery.

The partnership will enable Rio Tinto to scale up its mineral recovery platforms such as the Copper NuWave technology which is expected to be trialled later this year at Kennecott Utah Copper in the United States.

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, recently announced that e2v had been awarded a £6.25 million grant under the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) administered by the UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), which e2v will use to invest in capacity and facilities to create jobs and increase design, engineering, manufacturing and test capabilities in their ProWave industrial processing systems.

Vince Cable commented: "The UK economy needs partnerships like these; two leaders in their field, working together on hi-tech projects with a strong export focus. This shows the benefit of targeted investment from the Government's Regional Growth Fund and how it can help companies grow and expand into new markets. I am pleased that support through the fund is being put to such positive and immediate use."