Sulnox, the greentech company delivering lower fuel costs and emissions with zero capex, is pleased to announce that its fuel conditioning technology has been recognised in the DeCarbMine 2026 Challenge, a major Chilean mining industry initiative focused on accelerating the reduction of Scope 3 emissions.
Sulnox Eco was submitted by Industry Efficiency Solutions ("IES") - a sub distributor of A&S International based in Chile - and received a Special Mention, placing it among the eight best-evaluated solutions from 63 submissions across 11 countries.
The DecarbMine Challenge is organised by Expande and Corporación Alta Ley, with Teck Resources, Lundin Mining, Albemarle and ENAMI participating as evaluating partners, and with the endorsement of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Chilean Ministries of Mining and the Environment. The initiative identifies and validates technologies capable of accelerating emissions reduction across the mining sector.
Mining is among the most diesel-intensive industrial sectors globally, with diesel accounting for approximately 46% of total energy consumption across mining operations and the sector responsible for an estimated 4–7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Chile is the world's largest copper-producing country, producing approximately 5.4 million tonnes of mined copper in 2025, representing around 23% of global production. The country is also one of the world's leading producers of lithium. Decarbonisation pressure is intensifying, with carbon pricing discussions underway across the mining sector from 2025 and the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism adding a further financial incentive to reduce the carbon intensity of production from 2026.
The submission established Sulnox Eco's ability to deliver immediate, measurable improvements across diesel-powered mining equipment without engine modification or capital expenditure:
Lower fuel costs: Evaluations across equipment including CAT wheel loaders and excavators have recorded average fuel savings of approximately 8%
Lower emissions: Significant reductions in particulate matter, CO₂ and NOx from cleaner, more complete combustion
Enhanced engine condition: Lubricity improvement of approximately 17% reduces friction across pumps, injectors and liners, while cleaner combustion limits carbon deposit formation throughout the fuel system
Reduced maintenance: Lower servicing requirements and less unplanned downtime across high-utilisation mining fleets
As biofuel blends become an increasingly common element of mining decarbonisation strategies, Sulnox Eco's compatibility with FAME and HVO blends provides additional operational benefit. Independent testing has demonstrated improved oxidative stability and better water management in biofuel applications, reducing degradation and corrosion risk - particularly relevant for fuel stored at remote mining sites.
Ben Richardson, CEO of Sulnox Group Plc, commented:
"To be recognised by an evaluation process involving Teck, Lundin Mining and Albemarle carries real weight. These are companies with serious decarbonisation targets and the technical expertise to evaluate solutions rigorously. That validation matters to us. Mining is a sector where operators are under significant pressure to reduce emissions from equipment that will remain in service for decades - and where the case for a zero-capex, drop-in solution is particularly compelling. Latin America is a strategically important market for Sulnox, and this recognition gives us an excellent platform from which to engage with the sector directly."
Maximiliano Doweck, Industry Efficiency Solutions, commented:
"We entered the DecarbMine Challenge because we wanted the technology to be assessed on its merits by the people who operate these fleets - engineers and sustainability leads from companies like Teck and Lundin Mining who understand exactly what the operational constraints are. To come away with a Special Mention from a field of 63 solutions is a genuine validation. The next step is converting that recognition into conversations with mine operators across the region, and we look forward to demonstrating what Sulnox Eco can deliver at site level."
