Still Bright provides a modular, on‑site copper extraction system that replaces high‑temperature smelting with a proprietary hydrometallurgical and electrochemical process. The technology recovers copper from low‑grade ores and waste streams previously considered unrecoverable, reducing emissions, waste, and reliance on foreign refiners while lowering capital and operating costs for mining and industrial customers.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional copper extraction relies on smelting, a high‑temperature process that emits toxic pollutants and is costly to operate, especially in the United States. This has led to most U.S. copper being exported as ore for overseas refining, creating supply chain dependence and environmental risk while leaving large low‑grade or previously unrecoverable resources untapped.
Solution
Still Bright has developed a localized, cost‑effective copper extraction technology that replaces smelting with a hydrometallurgical/electrochemical process. The method can recover copper from ores and waste streams that were previously considered unrecoverable, increasing overall recovery rates while minimizing emissions and waste. By enabling on‑site refining, the technology brings copper production back to domestic facilities, reducing reliance on foreign smelters and strengthening supply chain resilience. The process is designed to be modular and deployable at existing mining sites or near industrial waste sources, allowing rapid scaling to meet the projected doubling of global copper demand over the next decade. Environmental impact is lowered through reduced air pollutants, lower water usage, and the ability to process lower‑grade material without the large capital outlay of traditional smelters.
Target Audience
Primary customers are mining companies, metal producers, and industrial firms in the United States seeking domestic copper refining solutions, as well as manufacturers reliant on a stable copper supply for electronics, construction, and energy infrastructure.
Features
- Proprietary hydrometallurgical and electrochemical extraction process that eliminates the need for high‑temperature smelting
- Ability to recover copper from low‑grade ores and waste streams previously deemed unrecoverable
- Modular, site‑specific deployment that can be integrated into existing mining operations or industrial sites
- Significantly lower greenhouse‑gas and toxic emissions compared to conventional smelting
- Reduced capital and operating costs through localized processing and minimal waste handling
- Scalable technology platform designed to meet the projected 100% increase in copper demand by 2030