Ceibo has announced the successful launch of a demonstration plant at Compañía Minera San Gerónimo’s (CMSG) mine in northern Chile, marking a significant step forward in copper production technology.
The plant, which utilises Ceibo’s proprietary sulphide leaching technology, has produced its first copper cathodes, demonstrating the potential for scalable and efficient copper recovery.
The new facility, which began construction in February 2025, has achieved this milestone in just three months, showcasing the speed at which Ceibo’s technology can be implemented.
Ceibo’s innovative approach to copper extraction from sulphide ores is compatible with existing infrastructure and is considerably faster than traditional methods.
This technology has the potential to revolutionise the industry by processing resources previously deemed uneconomical or too complex, offering a cleaner and smarter alternative that addresses resource scarcity, climate concerns and supply chain challenges.
Ceibo CEO Cristobal Undurraga said: “This isn’t just an efficiency gain, it is a blueprint for how the world gets the copper it needs, faster.
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By GlobalData“Sulphides have historically been out of reach for on-site leaching. Ceibo changes that, delivering a process that integrates with existing operations and accelerates copper recovery at a time when the world urgently needs new supply.”
The industry-wide shift from oxide to sulphide ores has introduced new operational difficulties, increasing the demand for novel processing methods.
Ceibo’s solution enables increased production without significant infrastructure upgrades, reduces environmental impact and enhances the long-term sustainability of mining operations.
Combining cutting-edge chemistry, data analytics and AI-driven modelling, Ceibo’s technology is designed to optimise performance across diverse ore bodies and site conditions.
CMSG general manager Patricio Rendic said: “The first harvest of cathodes using Ceibo’s technology is proof that innovation drives everything we do.
“As one of few mining companies producing end-of-chain products, we are redefining mining by diversifying and adding value to our copper. This is the future, where mining and innovation come together to enhance productivity and advance the industry.”
With global copper demand projected to double by 2035, Ceibo’s demonstration offers hope of a scalable solution that can expedite production timelines and minimise risks.
