MOLTEN 2024 and ISASMELT™ Test Hub Competition
AusIMM and Glencore Technology’s ISASMELT team have joined together to run a Competition in celebration of MOLTEN 2024 being held in Brisbane, Australia.
Support the Transition to Sustainable Technologies
A critical need for metallurgical plants, mineral processing companies, engineering companies, consultancies and universities is testing new processes; but it takes time, effort and money to get ideas tested and proven viable for the real world.
In line with the theme of MOLTEN 2024, which focuses on supporting sustainable technologies, Glencore Technology has announced it will be building an ISASMELT™ Test Hub in Australia at the University of Queensland in collaboration with the PYROSEARCH group. This cutting-edge facility will utilise the F600 furnace for piloting and is designed to be thorough, low cost, fast, clean, and safe.
To kickstart sustainable action, MOLTEN 2024 invite's you to submit a sustainability-related pyrometallurgical test idea for piloting at Glencore Technologies' new ISASMELT™ Test Hub, scheduled to open in September 2024.
Check out the T&C's for more details.
How To Enter
The world is transitioning to alternative energy sources, increasing the demand for critical and energy metals. In addition, the world is moving towards a circular economy model with increased recycling. This creates critical opportunities for those in the pyrometallurgical space to contribute to this transition.
Ready to showcase your innovations? Follow the steps below to enter our competition and be part of shaping the future of sustainable materials.
Ready to showcase your innovations? Follow the steps below to enter our competition and be part of shaping the future of sustainable materials.
1. Register
Register as a delegate for MOLTEN 2024, for the 12th International Conference of Molten Slags, Fluxes and Salts.
Only submissions from registered conference attendees will be considered for the Main Prize, valued at up to $USD93,000.
2. Answer 5 questions
You will need to answer five simple questions via the Entry Form
- What materials do you propose to test?
- What products do you believe can be produced?
- What factors do you want to test for?
- What outcomes would make for a ‘successful’ conclusion?
- How does your idea contribute to the transition to a circular economy model?
3. Submit your best idea to win!
Once your ready, submit your entry based on the 5 questions and go into the running of winning our Main Prize; $USD93,000 worth of pilot testing for your pyrometallurgical idea at Glencore Technology's newly built ISASMELT™ Test Hub at the University of Queensland.
Second Prize
If you are unable to attend MOLTEN 2024 but still wish to submit an idea, you can still participate and go into the running to win our second prize:
Discounted access to the ISASMELT™ Test Hub, valued at $USD30,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enter?
To be eligible to win the main prize (valued at $USD93,000), all delegates registered for MOLTEN 2024 are welcome to submit one test concept, with the exception of employees and contractors of Glencore Technology.
Available worldwide, regardless of a MOLTEN 2024 registration, is a second prize offering discounted access to the ISASMELT™ Test Hub. The second prize provides a $USD30,000 discount on the service.
How will the entries be judged?
The best idea, as judged by the Committee, will be awarded the main prize, with a value of up to $USD93,000. The committee will judge the winning idea based on four criteria –
- How practical and safe it is, how well it delivers flowsheet improvements for the real world.
- How well it is described, enabling the Committee to interpret and appraise your idea.
- How clear the outcomes are and how well they would help the idea to be further explored.
- How well it contributes to the transition to sustainability and the circular economy.
The Committee’s decision is final. The MOLTEN Competition Selection Committee consists of Professor Peter Hayes, Dr Stuart Nicol, Professor Eugene Jak and Professor Pekka Taskinen.
How many test concepts can I submit?
Individuals may only submit one test concept.
Will I still own my own IP if I submit my test concept?
While your entry will be shown among other entries, the results if you win are yours. Commencement of the testwork is subject to the completion of Glencore Technology’s know your counterpart (KYC) and non-disclosure agreement (NDA) processes as per conventional commercial relationships.
When does the competition close?
The competition closes 3pm AEST, Friday 7 June 2024, so be quick and enter today.
Will the winners be announced?
Yes. The competitions first prize and second prize winners will be officially announced at the MOLTEN 2024 Conference at the closing address in Brisbane on the 19 June 2024.
The winners will be notified by email, by Glencore Technology.
Both AusIMM and Glencore Technology will also announce the winners on social media on Friday 21 June 2024.
Can I submit an idea if I don't live in Australia?
Yes, anyone, regardless of their location, can submit their idea and have the opportunity to win the prizes. To be eligible for the main prize, however, you must be a registered delegate at the MOLTEN 2024 conference.
When can I use the ISASMELT™ Test Hub?
The ISASMELT™ Test Hub will be available to use from September 2024 and will enable you to explore concepts, test new feeds and bring forward critical financial decisions.
How long will it take the ISASMELT™ Test Hub to test my idea?
It will take as little as twenty-eight (28) days after the samples arrive to deliver results. Observers are welcome during the process.
What is the ISASMELT™ Test Hub?
A critical need for metallurgical plants, mineral processing companies, engineering companies, consultancies and universities is testing new processes; but it takes time, effort and money to get ideas tested and proven for the real world.
Glencore Technology is building an ISASMELT™ Test Hub in Australia at the University of Queensland in collaboration with the PYROSEARCH group. The ISASMELT™ Test Hub will be using the F600 furnace for piloting. The ISASMELT™ Test Hub will be thorough, low cost, fast, clean, and safe.
Find out more about ISASMELT™ here.
Who can use the ISASMELT™ Test Hub?
Anyone who would like to test a material for how it behaves when smelted and needs to know the products that can be generated, the elemental distribution, fuming factors the slag quality and others. Any non-ferrous feed that is mostly solids can be tested, including any primary ores, concentrates and post-consumer materials.
Some limits may apply to some hazardous substances and of course an MSDS is mandatory for transport and testing.
Glencore Technology’s test work certificate, final product samples and report provides evidence that you can take to a management committee or board or bank to advance your project. It ‘certifies’ the material can be smelted in an ISASMELT™ and describes how it could behave in other bath smelting technologies.
Elemental assaying will be performed using techniques suitable for the materials being processed. XRF and ICP are the assaying techniques which are most likely to be suitable. The Test Hub will also help you determine a path forward to realise your smelting objective.
Unusual or complicated test briefs are welcome, and these may shift the price slightly. A standard 5 test runs, including elemental assays, will apply to most test needs.
Find out more about ISASMELT™ here.
I have a question that hasn't been covered.
If you have a question that hasn't been addressed in our FAQ section, please don't hesitate to contact us at conference@ausimm.com. We're here to assist you.