Endolith has achieved a milestone in the testing of copper extraction from low-grade sulphide ores, demonstrating a significant increase in copper recovery rates.
The testing was conducted in collaboration with Think & Act Differently (TAD), the innovation arm of BHP, and facilitated by Unearthed.
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Endolith’s microbes outperformed conventional heap leaching methods, offering new potential for mineralised waste previously deemed uneconomical.
This development could have far-reaching implications for the mining sector, particularly as global copper consumption is projected to double by 2035.
With an estimated 70% of copper reserves locked in low-grade or complex ores, Endolith’s microbial platform presents a solution to access these resources.
The platform, which employs advanced bioengineering and AI-optimised processing, not only improves yields but also reduces environmental impact.
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By GlobalDataIt is designed to integrate with existing mining infrastructure, offering cost savings and eliminating the need for harmful chemical leaching processes.
Endolith CEO Liz Dennett said: “This demonstrates what is possible when the world’s oldest miners (microbes) go to work on one of today’s biggest challenges.
“Working with the support from the TAD programme, we have proven a solution that unlocks vast copper resources in a scalable, low-impact manner, one that helps secure critical mineral supply chains for decades to come.”
Endolith’s testing focused on primary sulphide ores containing less than 1% chalcopyrite and pyrite, which are typically challenging to process.
The column tests, which simulated field conditions, showed that Endolith’s method resulted in faster and more complete copper recovery across various temperatures.
Unearthed co-founder Holly Bridgwater said: “At Unearthed, we exist to connect bold ideas with big industry challenges.
“Endolith’s performance is a powerful example of what happens when start-ups are given the opportunity to test and scale new science in a real-world setting. This kind of collaboration is needed to unlock the next generation of mining innovation.”
