Seeking Novel Applications for Polyhalite in Animal Nutrition

A leading global mining company is looking to explore new applications for the mineral polyhalite. Polyhalite (K₂Ca₂Mg(SO₄)₄·2H₂O) has been established as an efficient crop fertiliser when physically processed into powder, granular or chips forms for ease of application. However, research suggests polyhalite has potential in other applications outside of crop nutrition including the biosciences and in particular, animal feed and nutrition.

Our client is interested in novel polyhalite applications in animal nutrition. Specifically, our client is keen to connect with academic researchers with expertise in developing and testing novel animal feeds and exploring their nutritional benefits. Our client is open to applications in any animal including ruminants, aquaculture and pet species. 

The client holds collaboration and innovation as core values, with a focus on providing materials solutions with a low carbon footprint. 

Approaches of interest:

• Novel applications of granule-form polyhalite in animal feed and nutrition.
• Technologies or methods to achieve different forms or derivatives of polyhalite that have applications in animal nutrition.
• Development and testing of polyhalite formulations as an animal feed or nutritional supplement.

Out of scope:

• Applications of polyhalite to fertilise crops are not of interest, unless the approach improves upon nutritional value of the crop for animal nutrition.

All stages of research development are of interest however the client team is particularly interest in early stage technology or research that can be developed through a collaboration with academia (i.e. TRL 1-4).

Submission Information:

Submission of one page, 200-300 word briefs are encouraged, along with any optional supplementary information e.g. relevant publications. Intellectual property status of the research should be included where relevant. In submitting to this campaign, you confirm that your submission contains only non-confidential information. Our client is also open to novel research proposals which can be outlined using this application form. 

Opportunity for Collaboration:

The client is open to a range of collaboration scenarios, with the most appropriate path determined by the needs of the opportunity. The client is open to forming long-term research collaborations, and building relationships with academic institutions or individuals. Joint project funding may be available depending on the quality of submissions and potential pathway to commercialisation. Outcomes will be determined on a case by case basis.