Glencore Technology: Processing the future
An Australian-based team has developed five flagship technologies that continue to revolutionise the mining industry worldwide.
In Brisbane, a team of around 200 engineers and metallurgists is quietly reshaping the global mining industry. Glencore Technology (GT), part of Glencore’s Special Projects Group, represents something rare in the resources sector. A technology business embedded within one of the world’s largest mining companies, it delivers innovations that transform how minerals are processed from crushed rock to final metal.
“There’s actually no company like GT in the world,” says Glenn Steiper, Director of Growth and Solutions. “Our technologies were created out of necessity to develop our mines. Over time, there was a decision to offer our technologies to the market.”
Born from necessity
What makes GT truly unique is its business model. Rather than keeping world-leading research and technology internal, Glencore offers it to the global mining community – something no other mining company does. This approach has shaped the industry over the past 40 years, driving innovation across flotation, regrinding, leaching, smelting and refining processes.
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1. IsaSmelt™ - IsaSmelt™ converts concentrates and end-of-life components into metal, with extensive emissions capture and treatment.
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2. Jameson Cell - The latest iteration, the Jameson Concentrator, has half the power consumption and carbon footprint of traditional methods and increases metal extraction rates with low process risk.
GT’s story began in the mid-1980s when the company started commercialising its technologies. What started as an internal solution has evolved into a global technology powerhouse with offices spanning Brisbane, Townsville, South Africa, Chile, Canada, India, the CIS region and China. Today, GT boasts more than 800 installations worldwide, with 22 of the 27 International Council of Mining and Metals members utilising GT technology.
Around 85 per cent of GT’s revenue comes from outside of Glencore. A crucial advantage is access to Glencore’s global mining operations, which enables rapid testing and the commercialisation of new technologies before they are brought to market.
Expert consulting through XPS
Also part of the Special Projects Group, XPS is a world leader in mineralogical analysis and interpretation. It brings operational expertise to Glencore, helping to optimise plant performance and troubleshoot metallurgical challenges, creating a feedback loop that helps continually refine both equipment and operational knowledge.
“We have deep connections across the global mining industry and we’re known for our hands-on, pragmatic approach to problem-solving,” says Jan Smit, Vice President of XPS.
3. IsaKidd™ - IsaKidd™ technology handles copper refining, producing high-purity copper for global markets.
Five technologies
GT’s portfolio centres on five flagship technologies that span the entire mineral-processing cycle. All are designed around the principles of low energy consumption, reduced emissions, smaller footprint, and lower capital and operating expenditure, while maximising efficiency.
“We’re setting new benchmarks in the industry,” notes Glenn. “Our technologies are constantly pushing boundaries and forcing significant step changes. Other technology providers are being forced to innovate; this is very positive for the sector.”
GT’s competitive advantage extends beyond technical excellence, says Stanko Nikolic, Director of Technologies. “We sit within a mining company, so we understand what it’s like to operate this equipment because we have it installed in our own operations.”
This insider perspective translates into tangible benefits. GT can train client personnel at operational Glencore sites, provide responsive technical support backed by real-world experience and stand behind every installation with the financial strength of a major mining company. The company’s relatively small size also works in its favour. “We’re adaptable and agile,” says Glenn.
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4. IsaMill™ - IsaMill™ has significantly reduced the energy required to break down ore. Mining and grinding consume an estimated 1.5 per cent of global energy.
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5. Albion Process™ - A pathway for mineral extraction of base and precious metals. The Albion Process™ is modular, flexible and particularly valuable in processing complex ores.
Impact beyond the mine
GT’s products deliver benefits that extend far beyond mine economics. Smaller processing plants minimise environmental footprints. Reduced emissions and energy requirements benefit the surrounding communities. Enhanced mineral recovery maximises value from each ore body, reducing the need for new mines.
The company is also playing a crucial role in the circular economy through its IsaCycle™ recycling technology, which provides low-cost metal recycling solutions. The latest plant is currently under construction in Spain.
Looking ahead
With the global demand for metal increasing and ore grades declining, GT is perfectly positioned to offer proven solutions. “We punch well above our weight in terms of impact,” Glenn reflects. “Adding one or two per cent recovery to an operation can be worth $100 to $200 million annually. Our impacts in the industry are huge."