Novamera Inc., a Canada-based mining technology company, has achieved what it says is a world first: the mining of a mineral deposit using its breakthrough Surgical Mining system.
The initial extraction is taking place at the Golden Promise deposit near Badger, Newfoundland, marking a major milestone in the effort to unlock new sources of minerals and metals in a low-capital, faster and more sustainable manner to support global supply needs, it says.
Witnessed by representatives from what the company says are “commercial partners” IAMGold, Kuya Silver and Bryah Resources, the successful deployment is part of a plan to deliver the first set of projects from Novamera’s growing pipeline of projects in Canada and internationally.
“This achievement proves that Surgical Mining can deliver a new pathway towards profitable production with a fraction of the environmental impact compared to traditional methods,” Jim Hollis, CEO of Novamera, said. “We’re demonstrating a faster, cleaner and more economical way to access valuable mineral resources. Our combination of software simulation, advanced imaging and robotics opens the door to a new category of smaller, smarter, faster mines.”
Surgical Mining is a new way to extract valuable minerals from the earth – using a precise, data-driven approach that targets only what’s worth mining. By combining simulation, down-hole subsurface imaging, AI-powered 3D orebody modelling and robotic extraction, the process selectively extracts mineralised material while leaving surrounding rock and ecosystems largely undisturbed. Unlike conventional mining, Surgical Mining, Novamera says, requires no blasting, generates 95% less waste and utilises a closed-loop water system – resulting in less waste, a smaller environmental footprint, faster timelines and significantly lower costs, while simplifying permitting and reclamation.
Novamera’s first commercial deployment at the Golden Promise deposit, owned by Great Atlantic Resources, demonstrates how its Surgical Mining solution can provide a faster path to domestic production of metals and minerals essential to clean technologies, defence, electrification and advanced manufacturing.
Dustin Angelo, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Novamera, said: “This milestone validates the years of development behind our Surgical Mining platform and demonstrates its commercial readiness. The momentum we’re seeing from customers and strategic partners gives us confidence that now is the right time to scale – and the Series A financing will allow us to do exactly that.”
