Infineum has signed a contract to acquire ISCA UK’s emulsifiers business unit in a deal securing the Iscamul emulsifier brand and formulation expertise, the specialty chemicals company announced. The deal marks Infineum’s move back into the emulsion explosives area, which is a key mining technology. Terms were undisclosed.
In that market, existing capabilities can be leveraged to better serve customers, the company noted.
“I am really pleased that Infineum is moving into this area as mining technology is crucial for e-mobility, which relies on the supply of precious metals,” Infineum CEO Trevor Russell said in a press release. “This is a more sustainable method than other types of mining explosives, creating fewer fumes and gases, which aligns with Infineum’s sustainability agenda going forward.”
Examples of metals in high and growing demand for electric vehicles, their batteries and related charging infrastructure include lithium, copper, nickel and cobalt.
Emulsion explosives – widely used for commercial blasting, including for mining – typically are composed of soluble oxidizer salts, like ammonium nitrate, that are dispersed using high shear mixing in an oil phase, with the aid of an emulsifying agent.
Infineum – a joint venture between Shell and ExxonMobil – is one of the world leaders in formulation, manufacturing and marketing of petroleum additives for lubricants and fuels, with operations and production facilities worldwide.
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