What's Happening?
Digital Catapult has announced a £400,000 investment in Optimal Slope, a deep tech startup focused on transforming open-pit mining into a more efficient and environmentally sustainable industry. Founded in 2021, Optimal Slope has developed a software
platform that automates and optimizes the design of mine pit walls, traditionally a manual process. This technology aims to reduce waste rock excavation, thereby cutting costs, increasing profitability, and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of mining operations. The investment will support Optimal Slope's expansion into international markets such as Australia, Canada, South America, and Africa, where metal mining is crucial for local economies and the global clean energy supply chain.
Why It's Important?
The investment in Optimal Slope is significant as it addresses the environmental impact of mining, a sector essential for producing metals used in clean energy technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles. By reducing waste and energy usage, Optimal Slope's technology contributes to the global energy transition and strengthens the resilience of supply chains for critical minerals. This move also highlights the potential for deep tech innovation to reshape industries for a sustainable future, aligning with Digital Catapult's mission to drive industrial supply chain resilience.
What's Next?
With the backing of Digital Catapult, Optimal Slope plans to refine its product based on user feedback and strengthen its commercialization efforts. The company aims to secure more partnerships with global mining companies and demonstrate that mining can be both profitable and sustainable. This investment is expected to help Optimal Slope grow its customer base and showcase its solution internationally, potentially influencing the mining industry's approach to sustainability.
Beyond the Headlines
Optimal Slope's mission to decarbonize mining operations could shift public perceptions of the industry, which is often viewed negatively due to its environmental impact. By demonstrating that mining can be cleaner and more efficient, the company may contribute to gaining wider social acceptability for the sector. This development also underscores the role of technology in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices across industries.
