BHP Invent strengthens innovation partnerships in China through MOUs with ENFI and BGRIMM
BHP Invent has deepened its engagement with China’s innovation ecosystem, signing two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with leading Chinese research and engineering organisations, China ENFI and BGRIMM Technology Group. The agreements support collaboration in mineral processing, leaching, complex ore treatment and high-altitude environments.
China ENFI is a subsidiary of China Metallurgical Group Corporation and is one of the major EPC/EPCM players in mining in China plus it is also known for smart and digital mine projects, applying integrated information and automatic control systems. It has been involved at most of the major mining projects in China including the Julong, Dexing and Pulang copper mines, the Jinchuan nickel mine and Sishanling iron ore mine.
Overseas, examples include the EPCM contract from Kamoa Copper SA to develop the Phase 2A concentrator plant at the world-class Kamoa-Kakula copper project in the DRC. For NFCA Mining in Zambia for the Chambishi Main and West Ore Body 500m it supplied an unmanned electric locomotive transportation system. This was the first time Chinese unmanned electric locomotive control technology was put into practice in an overseas project.
BGRIMM is a major mineral processing technology company, primarily known for its flotation systems and plants. Innovations in recent years include flotation plans for reprocessing tailings – its HIF-680 flotation cells have been applied at Pulang Copper Mine (capacity of 40,000 t/d, two lines) in China to recover copper from flotation tailings. For this operation it also supplied the world’s largest flotation cell with 800 m3 capacity – the HIF-800. It is also a major player in the flotation of critical minerals like lithium and graphite. For CATL’s Yichun lepidolite operations it supplied 15 sets of HIF-320 flotation cells for each of two lines.
While in China, BHP’s innovation team met with a range of organisations applying advanced capabilities across robotics, industrial automation, cloud and AI, metallurgy, leaching and tailings management. The discussions it says gave important insights into how technologies are being developed and applied, allowing teams to share perspectives on common challenges and opportunities across the mining value chain.
Jessica Farrell, VP BHP Innovation, said: “Partnerships like this are how we turn big ideas into real impact, connecting global innovation with the challenges we’re solving every day across our operations. Together, we can accelerate safer, more productive and sustainable outcomes.”
Cheng Liu, ENFI Chairman, said: “The signing of this memorandum marks a further strategic upgrade of the deep cooperation between the two parties. ENFI and BHP will collaborate in areas such as mineral processing, process control technology and leaching. By leveraging China ENFI’s advantages in research and technology, we will work together to jointly accelerate technological progress in the industry.”
Yahui Li, GM BGRIMM, International Technology Co said: “We are delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with BHP and look forward to deepening our collaboration across a broad spectrum of fields – including mining, mineral processing, metallurgy and environment protection. We aspire to leverage our strengths in new technology development and deliver sustainable and efficient solutions to promote the shared success for the global mining industry.”
BHP said BHP Invent works globally to connect innovators with real-world applications in the mining industry technologies in ore body knowledge, mining, processing, leaching and tailings management. “BHP Invent is committed to translating learning into tangible outcomes, strengthening global collaboration, and inviting partners and innovators to connect with us. Through its Open House platform, BHP Invent welcomes ideas throughout the year, providing a pathway for innovators to connect with BHP teams and explore potential collaboration opportunities.”
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