A new copper leaching discovery suggests biotech-driven mining solutions could soon recover critical minerals, reduce waste and enhance sustainability.
A critical minerals platform startup, Endolith, has successfully demonstrated that its proprietary microbes can significantly improve copper recoveries from low-grade sulfide ores. The breakthrough was discovered in collaboration with BHP’s innovation arm, Think & Act Differently or TAD, and mining accelerator Unearthed.
Tested under simulated field conditions, Endolith’s bioleaching process outperformed conventional heap-leaching methods. By using bioengineered microbes and a processing system optimised with artificial intelligence, it demonstrated it can extract copper from previously uneconomic ore, slashing both environmental impact and costs.
The three-phase biohydrometallurgical process begins with microbial diagnostics to map existing activity in heap leach systems. Specialized microbes are then introduced via on-site biohatcheries to enhance copper recovery at the same time a cloud-based platform continuously monitors and adapts microbial performance to maximise efficiency and yield.
Endolith’s copper test work focused on primary sulfide ores with less than 1 percent chalcopyrite and pyrite, materials it says are notoriously tough to process.
“This demonstrates what’s possible when the world’s oldest miners (microbes) go to work on one of today’s biggest challenges,” Dr. Liz Dennett, CEO of Endolith, said.
You can keep up to date with exciting discovery stories like this on the copper industry’s new and unique digital knowledge platform ConnectOre.
More on Endolith: https://www.endolithmining.com/technology