DRILL LESS.
RECOVER MORE.TM

UNLOCKING SUBSURFACE POTENTIALTM

EXPLORE IDEON

Earth X-ray for Low-Impact Mining

Led by Ideon in partnership with the Digital Technology Supercluster, Simon Fraser University (SFU), Dias Geophysical, Microsoft, Fireweed Zinc, and Mitacs, the Earth X-ray for Low-Impact Mining project will enable mining exploration companies to identify density and magnetic anomalies with greater resolution and certainty up to 1 km beneath the Earth’s surface.

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IDEON AT A GLANCE

IDEON IS UNLOCKING SUBSURFACE POTENTIAL

Ideon Technologies Inc. is a world pioneer in the application of cosmic-ray muon tomography. Our subsurface intelligence platform provides x-ray-like visibility down to 1 km beneath the Earth’s surface, much like medical tomography images the interior of the body using x-rays.

Using proprietary detectors, imaging systems, inversion technologies, and artificial intelligence, we map the intensity of cosmic-ray muons underground and construct detailed 3D density profiles of subsurface anomalies.

Our platform can identify, image, and monitor anomalies such as mineral and metal deposits, air voids, caves, and other structures with density properties that contrast with the surrounding earth.

“Muon tomography is currently the most promising and innovative technology in geophysical exploration.”

— Dr. Alex Braun, Professor, Dept. of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University

HOW IT WORKS

1. COSMIC RAY MUONS

Muons travel in straight lines from cosmic rays colliding with matter in the Earth’s upper atmosphere

2. MUON FLUX

Muons are slowed down as they enter the Earth’s surface, as they encounter material of different densities

3. DETECTORS

Sub-surface detectors in the survey area measure muon intensity, creating a 60° field of view

4. SATELLITE TO CLOUD

The data captured by the detectors is transmitted to the surface, then via satellite to the Ideon cloud

5. RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGES

The data is transformed into x-ray-like images of density anomalies in the survey area

6. 3D SUBSURFACE MODEL

Inversion technologies create subsurface 3D density delivered into client software tools

“Ideon is the world leader in muon geotomography for mineral exploration. The ability to successfully locate and delineate in 3D a deep, high-grade deposit in a brownfields environment where conventional exploration methods are compromised, is unequalled.”

— Rob Hearst, Chief Geophysicist, Americas, Southern Geoscience Consultants

APPLICATIONS

Mining

MINERAL EXPORATION
BLOCK CAVE MONITORING

Drill less, recover more

OIL & GAS

DRILLING
SAGD MONITORING

Reduce environmental impact, optimize energy-intensive processes

INFRASTRUCTURE

DAM MONITORING
CONSTRUCTION

Detect structures, fractures, and voids

NATIONAL SECURITY

BORDER PROTECTION
NUCLEAR SILOS

Ensure safety and security

Global demand for metals and minerals doubles every 20-30 years. With most near-surface deposits already discovered, the mining industry is forced to search deeper underground. Without suitable tools available, discovery rates have fallen sharply while exploration costs have skyrocketed.

Ideon has proven that it can reduce exploration drilling activity by ten times and can identify exploration targets with 95% or higher certainty. For an industry that has invested $198 billion in exploration over the past 10 years with -45% return on investment, this is a game-changer.

Our expertise in applying muon tomography to the mining exploration industry is being extended into other sectors where the mapping of sub-surface density anomalies is key. We have tested our subsurface intelligence platform for greenfield and brownfield mineral exploration, air void identification and monitoring for block caving operations, oil reservoir monitoring in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations, non-intrusive monitoring of nuclear facilities and national borders, and inspection and monitoring of critical infrastructure such as dams.

Our proprietary technology platform allows us to quickly model scenarios of interest, to understand how muon tomography can be used in new applications.

“Because this technology has the potential to detect and image deposits at depth, it will reduce the amount of expensive drilling required.”

— Rick Sawyer, P. Geo, Exploration and Geology, Nyrstar Myra Falls Ltd.

CASE STUDIES

“The subsurface intelligence we gain with muon tomography gives us the ability to accurately locate anomalies while reducing the need for drilling and lowering our overall environmental impact. That value proposition is hard to beat.”

— Hervé Toubon, Research & Development and Innovation Director at Orano Mining

ABOUT US

IDEON IS USING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER COMPELLING BUSINESS RESULTS.

Ideon Technologies Inc. is a spin-off from TRIUMF (Canada’s national particle accelerator laboratory) and a world pioneer in the application of cosmic-ray muon tomography. Ideon has developed a subsurface intelligence platform that integrates proprietary detectors, inversion technologies, and artificial intelligence to provide x-ray-like visibility down to 1 km beneath the Earth’s surface.

By detecting sub-surface muons and transforming the data into reliable geophysical surveys and 3D density maps, Ideon helps mining companies map mineral and metal deposits with precision and confidence. They drill less and recover more with Ideon – reducing cost and risk, saving time, and minimizing environmental impact.

TEAM

We’re proud of our people. Inspired, motivated, and courageous, they approach each challenge with curiosity and optimism – and deliver amazing results. Our leadership team is hands-on and demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation, building value for clients, and delivering complex solutions with exceptional service.

MEET THE TEAM

CAREERS

We’re always looking for new team members who can offer inventive ideas, diverse perspectives, and innovative technology solutions. Ideon is not about being the largest, it’s about creating novel approaches that disrupt the status quo and advance our clients’ objectives.

JOIN US
BE PART OF TRANSFORMING DISCOVERY.

INVESTORS

At Ideon, our leadership team is committed to delivering maximum value, through our collective experience, our technology solutions, and a steadfast commitment to our vision. Direct investment strengthens our ability to provide well-rounded, well-tested solutions to our customers. For exclusive access to our Ideon investor proposition, please email us and we’ll be in touch.

PARTNERS

Ideon gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the following organizations:

  • Digital Supercluster
  • Western Economic Diversification Canada
  • TRIUMF Innovations
  • National Research Council of Canada
  • MITACS
  • Geological Survey of Canada
  • UBC Geophysical Inversion Facility
  • Simon Fraser University
  • Queen’s University

We are tremendously grateful to the numerous mining companies that have contributed significantly to advances in the application of muon geotomography, including commercial field trials:

  • BHP
  • Glencore
  • Teck Resources
  • Cameco
  • Orano
  • Nyrstar
  • and others under non-disclosure agreements

RECOGNITION

In May 2023, Ideon was recognized as a recipient of the Governor General’s Innovation Award — one of only six organizations nationwide to be honoured in this way. Closer to home, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce named Ideon as Innovative Enterprise of the Year in November 2022.

Ideon was a top-10 finalist of the New Ventures BC competition and won the BC Resource Industry prize. Ideon is also a graduate of the Creative Destruction Lab program, and was identified as a CleanTech “Ready to Rocket” company in 2020 and 2021.

In April 2021, Ideon won 2nd in the international Mining Cleantech Challenge hosted by the Colorado Cleantech Industries Association (CCIA). In summer 2021, Ideon was named a finalist for Company of the Year (Start-up) in the BC Technology Impact Awards and awarded a Silver Stevie® Award for Energy Innovation in the 18th Annual International Business Awards®.

BC TIA finalist

“The Ideon Discovery Platform is a global technological breakthrough — made in Canada.”

— Gary Agnew, CEO & Co-founder

HERE’S OUR STORY…SO FAR.

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