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New technologies could refine the copper the world needs — without the dirty smelting

Summary

Startups like Still Bright, Ceibo, and Jetti Resources are developing cleaner copper extraction technologies to meet surging demand driven by the energy transition. Innovations include electrochemical processes and enhanced heap leaching, which reduce pollution and emissions compared to traditional smelting. While promising, these methods face scalability and efficiency challenges. Copper’s critical role in renewable energy systems heightens the need for sustainable mining practices. However, mining’s broader environmental and social impacts—habitat destruction, pollution, and Indigenous land disputes—persist. These efforts reflect a growing trend of branding mining as a climate solution, sparking debates about its true sustainability.

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