Found converts existing metal‑refining plants into facilities that extract trace critical metals like alumina, zinc and lead, removing reliance on imported feedstock. It also uses a modular aluminum‑thermal power system to generate high‑temperature heat, hydrogen and alumina trihydrate on‑site, providing carbon‑free process energy that integrates with current steam loops.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Heavy industry depends on imported critical metals such as alumina, zinc, and lead, creating supply‑chain vulnerability, while decarbonizing high‑temperature processes lacks a practical, cost‑competitive fuel that can be used with existing steam infrastructure.
Solution
Found repurposes existing metal‑refining plants to directly extract trace critical metals, eliminating the need for foreign inputs and improving unit economics. In parallel, the company converts abundant aluminum into a rechargeable, fuel‑grade material that can generate industrial heat, hydrogen, and alumina trihydrate on‑site. The aluminum‑thermal power system plugs into current steam loops, delivering carbon‑free energy at cost parity with fossil fuels. By integrating metal extraction and fuel generation, Found provides a closed‑loop solution that secures material supply and offers a low‑carbon energy source for processes that cannot be electrified.
Target Audience
Primary customers are heavy‑industry manufacturers (e.g., steel, cement, chemicals) and large energy consumers that require high‑temperature process heat, as well as metal refiners seeking domestic sources of critical metals.
Features
- Direct extraction of trace critical metals (alumina, zinc, lead) from existing refinery streams with no foreign feedstock
- Superior unit economics achieved by leveraging existing infrastructure rather than building new plants
- Aluminum‑thermal power system that produces high‑temperature heat, hydrogen, and alumina trihydrate on‑site
- Modular, compact design that integrates seamlessly with existing industrial steam loops
- Zero point‑source emissions and a closed‑loop aluminum fuel cycle that can be recharged indefinitely
- Energy density of ~8.6 MWh/tonne (≈10× liquid hydrogen) with safe, inert handling and established global transport logistics
- Scalable technology platform applicable across multiple heavy‑industry sectors