Goldcorp to Present #DisruptMining 2018
Goldcorp is back with #DisruptMining, a challenge designed to accelerate the pace of mining innovation by thinking differently and seeking cross-sector collaboration.  The rapid advancement to the 21st century economy – Urban, High Tech and Green – cannot happen without the raw materials produced by mining.
From autonomous and connected vehicles, to green energy sources and to the smart phone in your pocket, the demand for raw materials is on a clear growth trajectory. It’s the role of mining to fuel this 21st century economy and the industry needs to be better, faster and more efficient at delivering materials to the market, with even less impact to the environment.
#DisruptMining is already accelerating innovation. After securing a $1 million investment from Goldcorp through #DisruptMining 2017, KORE Geosystems, accelerated its ‘smart-drilling’ technology development and is launching its first pilot program with Goldcorp in 2018.  #DisruptMining 2017 put businesses and innovations into the fast lane, providing opportunities to connect with potential investors and customers.
A call for submissions has gone out (see details below). Finalists vying for a $1 million investment from Goldcorp will be judged against their ability to provide solutions to some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing mining today:
- How to feed the long-term pipeline for metals
- How to enhance productivity, efficiency and automation
- How to improve safety
- How to reduce environmental footprint
- How to facilitate open and transparent markets
Goldcorp will present the second #DisruptMining accelerator challenge and live finale event on Sunday, March 4, 2018 during the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto.
Highlights:
Goldcorp will host the 2018 #DisruptMining innovation expo and “shark-tank” style live event at the Rebel Entertainment Complex. Disruptors from all sectors encouraged to pitch their exponential technologies and rogue ideas to a panel of senior mining and technology leaders in front of a live audience of influencers and decision-makers. Winning disruptor(s) can earn an opportunity to negotiate up to C$1 million investment from Goldcorp. All proceeds from the #DisruptMining finale event will support innovation-focused scholarships.
Kick off #DisruptMining video: https://youtu.be/gXKn-CjM5Hk
“Goldcorp is one of the world’s largest and most innovative gold mining companies. The industry has started to embrace the need for step-change innovation to stay competitive and deliver greater value but we all need to accelerate the pace of innovation to provide the raw materials that fuel our rapidly changing global economy,” said Todd White, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Goldcorp and board member of the Canadian Mining Innovation Council. “We must keep pushing boundaries, thinking differently and we believe faster progress is only possible through cross-sector collaboration. We are challenging every player in the mining industry and beyond to embrace innovation by adopting and integrating disruptive technologies into projects and operations here in Canada and around the world.”
Last year at the #DisruptMining Challenge, finalist KORE Geosystems earned a coveted seat at the table with Goldcorp to negotiate a C$1 million investment during the “Shark-Tank” style live finale. “The #DisruptMining challenge opened doors to hundreds of potential investors and customers,” said Vince Gerrie, President of KORE Geosystems. “Goldcorp’s C$1 million investment in KORE Geosystems has accelerated our technology development. We are very excited to launch our pilot program in 2018.” KORE delivers critical decision-making technology by applying artificial intelligence to geoscience data sources allowing confident, data driven decisions in real time.
Submissions will be accepted via the online portal from January 2, 201812:01am PST / 3:01am EST until January 16, 2018 at 8:59pm PST / 11:59 pm EST. Late submissions will not be accepted.
#DisruptMining Submission Categories:
- Feed the long-term pipeline for metals
- Enhance productivity, efficiency and automation
- Improve safety
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Facilitate open and transparent markets
- “Go rogue”Applications must be a maximum of five pages and include a brief introduction to the idea and/or technology being pitched as well as an explanation of its potential impact on the mining industry. Multi-media submissions are highly encouraged to complement the pitch.
Semi-finalists will be invited to exhibit their ideas at the Innovation Expo, and three finalists will be chosen to pitch at the #DisruptMining live event. All semi-finalists and finalists will be notified by February 5, 2018.
No purchase or skill-testing question is required, and the chances of earning a spot as a finalist or semi-finalist depend on the number and caliber of entries received during the submission period. For complete eligibility criteria, please refer to www.disruptmining.com.
The #DisruptMining Innovation Expo will transition into an evening event, in which three finalists will pitch their disruptive ideas “shark-tank” style to a live audience and have the opportunity to negotiate up to C$1 million in investment for a proof of concept at one of Goldcorp’s mines or direct investment in the winning technologies. More than 1,000 mining executives, investors, technologists and financiers will be in attendance, each looking for that one revolutionary idea.
#DisruptMining Challenge Timeline
Tuesday, January 16, 2018: Deadline for submissions.
Monday, February 5, 2018: Selected disruptors notified.
Sunday, March 4, 2018: #DisruptMining Innovation Expo and Live Finale