Traditional rock grinding in mining is incredibly energy-intensive. To solve this, we developed CoreBurst™—an award-winning, patented technology that replaces mechanical grinding with a gas-based thermodynamic process. Currently at TRL6, the system has been fully validated in the lab and is now scaling up for on-site testing. CoreBurst™ delivers three key advantages: 40-70% energy savings, integrated carbon sequestration, and improved mineral liberation.

Backed by Natural Resources Canada and the Government of South Australia, the technology has successfully completed paid ore trials with major operators including BHP, Anglo American, Vale, Nutrien, and Teck. To commercialize this breakthrough, Envisioning Labs has spun off a new venture: Rockburst Technologies.

To address the escalating crisis of wildland fires and their hazardous smoke, we have developed two complementary projects. The first, awarded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and developed in collaboration with The National Defence University of Malaysia, tackles underground peat fires—which are notoriously difficult to detect and extinguish. Following successful testing in the Borneo rainforest, a more advanced prototype is currently in development.

The second project, PM Shield, earned an honorable mention from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This simple, cost-effective positive pressure system prevents wildfire smoke and PM2.5 particles from entering homes, with prototypes currently being shared with the EPA for initial testing.

Traditional marine depth finders rely on sound-based sonar, which severely interferes with the communication and echolocation of endangered marine mammals, such as the Southern Resident Killer Whale. In response to a challenge sponsored by Transport Canada, and in partnership with TRIUMF, we developed a non-acoustic alternative.

Our innovation uses Lidar—a light-based technology that measures ocean depth by bouncing laser pulses off the seafloor. By replacing harmful acoustic signals with light, this solution allows vessels to navigate safely while protecting sensitive marine habitats from noise pollution.

We have successfully developed and delivered a 3D printing powder bed testing device to the National Research Council of Canada. Designed to accurately identify the density of metal 3D printed parts before they are formed, this device ensures higher density and superior quality in the final product. By significantly reducing the waste and high costs associated with metal 3D printing, our solution directly benefits advanced manufacturing in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.

What if mining waste could generate clean energy? To answer this, we developed two complementary solar innovation projects. Sponsored by one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers, the first project created a scalable pathway to manufacture concentrated solar plant mirrors (heliostats) from silica-rich mine tailings. This establishes a virtuous cycle where mining waste builds the solar infrastructure needed to power further processing operations.

The second project reimagines traditional steel-heavy, dual-axis solar trackers with a slimmer, cable-tension-based design that significantly cuts costs and material use. Future iterations will test sustainable alternatives, such as bamboo, to expand accessible clean energy infrastructure in developing nations.