Miners are employing advanced technologies such as machine learning and innovative chemistry techniques to address the growing demand for critical materials like copper and graphite used in green technologies. One example is Urbix, a startup based in Arizona that uses machine learning to create uniform graphite anodes for electric vehicle batteries. They have already secured a deal to supply graphite to SK On, a South Korean battery and chip maker. Urbix is just one of several American startups pioneering alternative approaches to secure critical minerals as supplies become increasingly scarce. Governments and companies are actively seeking new sources of these minerals to support the growing demand for electric vehicles, batteries, renewables, and electrification infrastructure. China currently dominates the processing and production of critical minerals, raising concerns about supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. However, the US government has begun supporting domestic production through legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act. While traditional efforts to discover new deposits and invest in processing facilities are underway, it may take several years or even decades for these initiatives to produce results. Therefore, some companies are exploring innovative methods, such as leveraging machine learning to increase yields and reduce carbon emissions in mineral processing. For instance, Urbix has developed a machine learning predictive control model that enables them to create high-quality graphite anodes while significantly reducing waste. Traditional methods typically yield only about a third of the input materials, while Urbix’s technique utilizes around 80%. The company has secured Series C funding and is currently running a pilot plant while constructing a commercial demonstration facility. They aim to produce 28,000 tons of graphite per year by 2026, scaling up to 320,000 tons by 2032, sourcing graphite from various locations around the world. Another innovative company, Locus Fermentation Solutions, is focused on increasing copper production yields using bio-surfactants derived from natural sources like yeast. By introducing these bio-surfactants during the processing of copper, Locus aims to improve ore recovery and increase yields. This technology has shown promising results, with an increase of 7% in copper yields, along with energy savings due to reduced rock crushing. Locus has also begun testing their process on other minerals such as iron ore and tailings waste. Copper is a key metal in the green transition, with electric vehicles utilizing six times more copper wiring than gas-powered vehicles. By improving yields and reducing waste, Locus aims to meet the increasing demand for copper while addressing environmental concerns. Additionally, a startup called Phoenix Tailings is focusing on recovering rare earths from mining waste or tailings. These rare earths are crucial for technologies like electric vehicles and offshore wind turbines. Phoenix identifies mine sites with tailings waste free from radioactive elements and extracts the rare earths from these waste materials. This approach has the potential to be scaled up to hundreds of sites, offering a sustainable solution for sourcing these critical minerals. By recovering rare earths from tailings, Phoenix aims to reduce reliance on China, which currently supplies the majority of these materials. The company has a pilot facility in New York and boasts a zero-waste process by recycling any remaining waste after tailings processing. These innovative approaches are essential for meeting the growing demand for critical minerals in green technologies while ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain.
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