Startup of the Year Finalist Rockburst Is Reinventing Rock Crushing

The mining sector might not be the first industry that comes to mind when you think about climate tech innovation.

But Vancouver-based Rockburst Technologies is proving that even the most traditional industries can be radically transformed with the right breakthrough.

Founded in 2020, Rockburst is tackling one of the biggest environmental challenges in the mining and materials sector: the massive energy demands and carbon emissions tied to comminution—the process of crushing and grinding rocks to extract minerals. It’s a process that accounts for up to 4% of global electricity use.

“There’s an urgent need to decarbonize heavy-emitting industries,” says Rockburst co-founder and CEO Oscar Malpica. “Our goal is to develop sustainable practices for critical mineral production, which is increasingly in demand for the clean energy transition.”

At the heart of Rockburst’s innovation is its proprietary CoreBurst™ technology. Instead of compressing rocks, which works against their natural strength, CoreBurst™ fractures rock from within using supercritical CO₂—a method that not only saves energy but may also support integrated carbon sequestration. Initial tests suggest energy savings of up to 50% for certain ores, and the technology can operate without the bulk water typically required in grinding.

Since launch, Rockburst has progressed from prototype to its current TRL 5 “Beta” system, attracting around $5 million in non-dilutive funding from organizations like Natural Resources Canada, Innovate BC, and even the government of South Australia. The startup has also partnered with academic and industry giants including UBC, BHP, and Anglo American, and is actively raising USD $5.2 million to build its first on-site pilot unit.

The company’s CoreBurst™ as a Service program is already enabling early adopters to test ore samples using Rockburst’s technology, offering real-world validation while supporting ongoing R&D.

Being based in B.C. has played a crucial role in Rockburst’s growth, says Malpica. “The province’s cleantech ecosystem and mining expertise have helped us tap into world-class talent and funding opportunities. Our collaborations with UBC and Innovate BC have been vital to our development.”

Now, as a finalist for the BC Tech Company of the Year – Startup award, the Rockburst team sees the recognition as more than just a badge of honour—it’s a signal that change is not only possible in legacy industries but also celebrated.

“The mining sector isn’t often seen as ‘sexy’ or innovation-friendly,” Malpica admits. “So this nomination means a lot. It validates our purpose of introducing technology that can meaningfully decarbonize one of the foundational industries in our society.”

With its pilot program on the horizon and a growing list of backers, Rockburst Technologies is making a strong case that mining can play a starring role in the clean energy future.