Ceibo and its peers want to adapt this method for the unweathered, low-grade rocks beneath the surface. The key to the technology is a series of chemical reactions that can dissolve copper from rock without needing high temperatures or pressure. The process is less energy-intensive than traditional mining, and it doesn’t produce toxic tailings. Instead, companies can extract copper directly from the solution using solvent extraction and electrowinning.
“It’s almost a back-to-basics approach,” says Undurraga. “We’re trying to adapt old technologies and look at them in a new light.”
Ceibo and Still Bright aren’t the only companies exploring new ways to mine copper. In 2020, the Canadian firm Enviroleach Technologies announced a partnership with copper producer Jetti Resources to extract copper from a type of ore that’s rich in arsenic — a toxin that can contaminate soil and water when released during traditional mining processes.
“The industry is looking for the next big thing,” Enviroleach CEO Duane Nelson told Grist. “Our technology is a game changer in terms of how we can extract copper.”
Enviroleach has developed a proprietary formula made from non-toxic chemicals that can selectively separate copper from other metals such as arsenic. The company claims its process can recover up to 99 percent of the copper in a sample, compared to the 60 to 70 percent typically achieved by traditional methods.
While Still Bright, Ceibo, and Enviroleach have yet to deploy their technologies at industrial scales, the promise has been enough to attract investment. Still Bright has raised $30 million from investors including the venture capital firm Breakthrough Energy Ventures, founded by Bill Gates. Enviroleach went public in 2019 and has a market capitalization of around $60 million. And Ceibo recently secured $10 million in funding from investors including the mining giant BHP.
If these startups can prove that their processes work at the scale of a mine, they could help replenish the world’s dwindling copper supplies while reducing the industry’s environmental impact. The race to revolutionize copper mining is on — and the stakes are high.
“We’re in a period of massive change in the industry,” says Schmitt. “The world is looking for a solution that bridges the gap between the demand for copper and the ability to mine it sustainably.”
The traditional method of copper smelting is known to produce large amounts of pollution and carbon emissions. However, recent advancements in technology have led to the development of more environmentally friendly processes for extracting copper from ores. One such process is heap leaching, which has been found to significantly reduce pollution and emissions compared to traditional smelting methods. Despite its benefits, heap leaching has not been widely adopted for primary sulfide ores due to efficiency concerns.
Ceibo, a mining startup, has developed a chemical extraction approach that involves altering the conditions in crushed ore to facilitate the extraction of copper. The company claims its process is flexible and can accommodate different geological and environmental conditions. Ceibo has received significant venture capital financing and is currently conducting pilot tests with major industry players like BHP Ventures and Glencore’s Lomas Bayas Mining Company in Chile.
Another mining startup, Jetti Resources, has successfully implemented heap leaching for processing primary sulfide ores commercially. The company has developed a proprietary catalyst that helps extract copper from crushed minerals more efficiently. Jetti’s technology has already doubled production at the Capstone Copper’s Pinto Valley mine in Arizona. The company claims its catalyst is the only commercially available technology for extracting copper from chalcopyrite, a primary sulfide mineral.
Despite the promise shown by companies like Ceibo and Jetti, heap leaching still has limitations in terms of time and efficiency. It can take weeks to months for the process to extract copper from the ore, and only a fraction of the material present is actually recovered. However, Ceibo and Jetti have reported significant improvements in copper recovery rates compared to conventional methods.
A new player in the field, Still Bright, claims to have developed a technology that can extract up to 99 percent of the copper from primary sulfide ores in a matter of minutes. The company’s electrochemical reductive leaching process involves using liquid vanadium to react with copper and extract it from sulfide minerals. Still Bright’s technology offers a more rapid and efficient alternative to traditional smelting methods, with the added advantage of producing fewer pollutants and emissions.
In conclusion, the mining industry is undergoing a transformation towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in copper extraction. Companies like Ceibo, Jetti Resources, and Still Bright are paving the way for cleaner and more efficient processes that could revolutionize the way copper is extracted from ores in the future.
Still Bright’s equipment being fully electric is a game-changer in the mining industry, as it can be powered by renewable energy sources. This innovation not only reduces the carbon footprint of the refining process but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the industry. CEO Schmitt’s emphasis on using renewable energy highlights the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Having validated its process at a lab scale, Still Bright is now gearing up to set up its first in-house pilot project, with a target completion date of 2026. This milestone marks a significant step towards scaling up their operations and showcasing the feasibility of their clean technology on a larger scale.
While Earthjustice attorney Pew refrained from commenting on the potential of these new technologies as a replacement for traditional copper smelting, he emphasized the importance of exploring alternative methods for refining copper. The shift towards cleaner refining methods is crucial in order to protect vulnerable communities from bearing the brunt of environmental degradation caused by conventional mining practices.
Copper mining, regardless of the refining method used, has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the processing stage. The destruction of habitats, pollution of air and water, depletion of freshwater sources, and infringement on Indigenous rights are some of the pressing concerns associated with copper mining operations. Recent events in Panama and Arizona highlight the growing resistance to large-scale mining projects due to their detrimental effects on the environment and local communities.
Political scientist Riofrancos sheds light on the paradoxical nature of mining giants investing in clean technology while facing criticism for their environmental practices. The push towards cleaner processing methods by industry leaders like Rio Tinto and BHP underscores a shift towards branding resource extraction as a climate solution. This shift not only reflects changing priorities within the mining industry but also signals a broader trend of rebranding resource extraction as a sustainable practice.
As venture capital increasingly flows towards early-stage startups in the critical mineral space, the mining industry is poised for a transformation towards more sustainable practices. Schmitt’s acknowledgment of the need for innovation at every stage of the mining process underscores the industry’s evolution towards cleaner and more efficient technologies.
In conclusion, the convergence of clean technology startups and established mining companies signals a shift towards a more sustainable future for the mining industry. Still Bright’s commitment to cleaner refining methods, powered by renewable energy, sets a precedent for responsible mining practices. As the industry continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the focus on innovative solutions and sustainable practices will be key to shaping a more sustainable future for copper mining. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in countless industries, and its impact on the business world is no exception. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, AI has revolutionized the way companies operate and compete in today’s fast-paced market.
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