With more than four decades of experience and an international presence, Grupo JRI continues to contribute to the transformation of the mining industry through solutions developed from engineering expertise and applied research. Its intellectual property portfolio includes five patents in force in Chile, Peru and Mexico, covering developments that address critical challenges in slurry rheology, tailings management, mining infrastructure and seismic protection. These technologies aim to provide better process information, optimize resource use, reduce operational impacts and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure.
Grupo JRI has patented five technological developments with direct applications in mining:
- Online Multicapillary Rheometer
This instrument measures the dynamic viscosity and yield stress of mining slurries online, without interrupting operations. By characterizing complex fluids, such as tailings and concentrates, during transport and processing, it provides precise rheological data to support operational decisions, particularly in processes subject to high variability. In 2017, its developers received the Ramón Salas Edwards Award, presented annually by the Chilean Institute of Engineers, to recognize the country’s best scientific or technological work in engineering.
- WLM, Wasteless Mining
This technology proposes an integrated approach to tailings management as operations transition from open-pit mining to large-scale underground mining. The concept involves placing thickened tailings in cavities created by mining itself, with the potential to eliminate the need for conventional tailings storage facilities, reduce impacts on land and air, and maximize water recirculation. It is intended for operations considering the closure of open pits while maintaining production.
- Thickened Tailings Retaining Wall
This gravity structure is built using waste rock from the mine to contain thickened paste tailings. By eliminating conventional compaction, waterproofing and drainage processes, the solution can simplify construction, reduce costs and put discarded material to productive use at operations with suitable waste rock availability and topography.
- Friction-based seismic damper, BASE-FD
Installed at the bases of columns in steel structures, this device dissipates seismic energy through controlled friction between steel plates. It is designed to protect critical facilities, such as concentrator plants, power plants and processing infrastructure, during major earthquakes, helping to limit structural damage and support operational continuity. In 2021, this development won first place in the Industrial Category at the 9th Project Seminar of the Chilean Association of Structural Civil Engineers (AICE).
- Rheology Modifier
This additive changes the rheological properties of tailings slurries and increases their yield stress, allowing them to be deposited at a steeper slope with less runoff. It is formulated from industrial byproducts, such as fly ash and green liquor dregs, and applied in doses measured in grams per tonne. This can extend the useful life of tailings storage facilities and improve water recovery.
With these innovations, Grupo JRI builds on its long-standing commitment to developing advanced technological solutions for mining. Collaboration among its companies also enables the Group to support the entire project cycle, from experimentation and design to management and execution, and to bring innovations developed in Chile to other mining markets.
“These patents reflect an approach to innovation closely connected to the real challenges of mining operations. We combine engineering experience, applied research and first-hand knowledge of operating conditions to turn complex problems into solutions that improve safety, efficiency and sustainability. Our goal is for this knowledge to be scaled up and create value for the industry in different markets,” said Alejandra Álvarez, Head of Technology Development at JRI, a Grupo JRI subsidiary.
For Grupo JRI, the value of these innovations is realized when they help solve challenges on the ground. If one of these technologies could benefit a project or your company’s operations, we invite you to contact us at contacto@grupojri.cl. Our team would be pleased to discuss your needs and explore opportunities for application and collaboration.
