Innovation in copper extraction accelerates amid soaring demand

New research from Cleantech Group highlights the rising urgency and opportunity in copper extraction innovation, as the global push for electrification collides with strained supply chains and outdated mining processes.

Venture activity in next-generation copper extraction technologies has surged, backed by major industrial partners and increasing government interest. However, structural and adoption barriers—including lengthy permitting, high capital costs, and integration risks—continue to slow progress. Critical minerals also face supply risks due to limited availability, geopolitical tensions, and China’s dominance in refining.

Cleantech Group forecasts a 6.5 million metric ton copper supply shortfall by 2030, driven by escalating demand from electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and grid expansion. With declining ore grades and traditional extraction methods under strain, the market is primed for scalable, lower-impact innovation.

“Copper is the cornerstone of the energy transition, but the industry is at risk of being bottlenecked by legacy processes that are slow, costly, and environmentally taxing,” said Diana Rasner, Group Lead at Cleantech Group. “Innovators who can offer faster, cleaner, and more efficient recovery will not only address urgent demand, but also meet rising ESG expectations from governments and buyers alike.”

Innovation on the rise

Cleantech Group’s new scoring framework evaluates copper innovators across four metrics: Innovation, Comparative Costs, Potential to Scale, and Ability to Execute. Several start-ups are already making waves:

PH7 Technologies (Vancouver, BC) earned the highest overall score in our analysis. Its closed-loop, non-toxic electrochemical process enables multi-metal recovery with minimal environmental impact. It is already revenue-generating in the platinum group metals space and gearing up for mining demonstrations.

Endolith (Boulder, CO) enhances copper recovery from existing heap leach systems through industrial microbiology, enhancing natural processes which already exist. Its modular, plug-and-play model requires minimal infrastructure changes and aligns with ESG objectives.

Key findings from research

• Solutions must be both faster and cleaner: Technologies offering accelerated copper recovery, reduced water/chemical use and decreased waste management are drawing investment and pilot success.
• Pilot success is the tip of the iceberg: Field validation in a mine is a critical milestone, but the ultimate test awaits when scaling to industrial capacity.
• Demand outpaces supply--and will widen: With a projected 6.5M tonne deficit by 2030, the window for market entry is tight meaning solutions need to come online now.

Barriers to scale remain
While technologies mature, the road to full deployment is fraught with challenges. Innovations that don’t solve real environmental or resource constraints won’t gain investor or industry traction. Those that do—and can scale efficiently—are best positioned to win support from governments and demand owners alike.

“Even the most promising technologies face long lead times due to permitting hurdles, integration complexity, and high capital requirements,” said Buff López, Associate, Materials & Chemicals at Cleantech Group. “That’s why partnerships with incumbents, real-world validation, and government-backed incentives are critical.”

Despite venture funding and a clear growing demand, many start-ups still lack revenue and scalable deployment strategies. Minimal process disruption, successful pilot case studies, and quick payback periods will be key to unlocking the next wave of adoption.

Path ahead
Governments and industry alike are reframing copper as a strategic resource. Trade policy shifts, traceability mandates, and national stockpiles are accelerating interest in domestic, sustainable supply options.

“Innovation in copper extraction isn’t a luxury—it’s an imperative,” added Rasner. “The next five years will determine which technologies break through—and which companies define the future of mining.”