Beyond Oil Sands: Acceleware Bets on RF Heating to Decarbonize Mining’s Future

Toronto, ON – November 6, 2025 – Acceleware Ltd. is making a strategic push beyond the energy sector, betting that its electromagnetic (RF) heating technology can play a critical role in decarbonizing the mining industry. At this week’s Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) Conference & Innovation Showcase, the Calgary-based company showcased its ‘EM Powered Heat’ solutions, aiming to disrupt traditional mineral processing methods and address the growing pressure on mining companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

For years, Acceleware has focused on enhancing oil recovery and reducing emissions in the energy sector. Now, the company sees a significant opportunity to apply that expertise to a new, demanding market. The mining industry is facing increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly regarding energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to drying and processing ore. Traditional methods often rely on fossil fuel-powered heating, creating a substantial carbon footprint.

“The demand for critical minerals is soaring, but so is the pressure to extract and process them sustainably,” says a source familiar with Acceleware’s strategy. “Mining companies are actively searching for innovative technologies that can help them meet both demands.”

How RF Heating Works – And Why It Matters

Acceleware’s EM Powered Heat technology utilizes radio frequency (RF) energy to directly heat materials within, rather than relying on traditional convection or conduction methods. This offers several advantages: faster heating times, more precise temperature control, and significantly reduced energy consumption. In the context of mining, this means lower costs, increased efficiency, and a dramatically smaller carbon footprint.

“The potential for energy savings is substantial,” explains an independent materials scientist consulted for this article. “By heating the material directly, you eliminate a lot of wasted energy that’s typically lost in traditional heating processes. This is particularly important for moisture-rich ores, where drying can be a major energy drain.”

Beyond Efficiency: Addressing a Shifting Landscape

The push towards decarbonization isn't just about environmental responsibility; it's increasingly becoming a matter of economic viability. Governments around the world are implementing stricter environmental regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms, making it more expensive for companies to operate using traditional, high-emission methods. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), for example, will impose costs on imports based on their carbon footprint, incentivizing companies to adopt cleaner technologies.

“Mining companies are realizing that sustainability is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s a business imperative,” states a source within a major mining firm. “They need to invest in innovative technologies that can help them reduce their emissions and stay competitive.”

Scaling the Technology: Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential benefits of RF heating are clear, scaling the technology for large-scale mining operations presents several challenges. One key hurdle is the cost of implementing the technology. RF heating systems require significant upfront investment, although Acceleware argues that the long-term energy savings will offset the initial costs.

“The initial capital expenditure is definitely higher than traditional heating methods,” admits a source familiar with Acceleware’s commercialization strategy. “But when you factor in the reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and potential carbon credits, the return on investment is compelling.”

Another challenge is adapting the technology to different types of ore and processing conditions. Each ore has unique thermal properties, requiring customized RF heating systems. Acceleware is actively working with mining companies to develop tailored solutions.

“We’re taking a collaborative approach,” says a source within Acceleware. “We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and develop RF heating systems that are optimized for their operations.”

A Canadian Innovation Taking Center Stage

Acceleware’s foray into the mining sector is a testament to Canada’s growing strength in cleantech innovation. The country has a long history of mining expertise, combined with a vibrant ecosystem of cleantech companies. This combination positions Canada as a leader in developing and deploying sustainable mining technologies.

“Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainable mining,” says an industry analyst. “We have the expertise, the resources, and the innovation to develop and deploy technologies that can reduce the environmental impact of mining while ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals.”

Acceleware’s presentation at MICA garnered significant interest from mining companies and investors. The company is currently in discussions with several potential partners to pilot its technology at commercial-scale mining operations. If successful, Acceleware’s RF heating technology could revolutionize the mining industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future. The company's success will depend on its ability to demonstrate the economic viability of its technology and scale it to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. But with growing pressure on mining companies to reduce their environmental impact, the timing for Acceleware's innovative solution could not be better.