The startup Still Bright has developed a water-based reaction process to purify copper, which it claims is less polluting than traditional smelting methods. The company's founders, Randy Allen and his team, have been working on this technology based on battery chemistry principles to address the growing demand for copper and the strain it puts on the supply chain.
According to Still Bright's CEO, Randy Allen, the company is focused on addressing the looming copper supply crisis. "Were really focused on addressing the copper supply crisis thats looming ahead of us," Allen said. "Copper is a crucial ingredient in everything from electrical wiring to cookware today, and clean energy technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles are introducing even more demand for the metal." Global copper demand is expected to grow by 40% between now and 2040, putting a strain on the supply chain.
The traditional smelting process, which involves heating copper ore to extract the metal, has significant environmental impacts. The process releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the geographic concentration of the copper supply chain has raised concerns about the risks of supply disruptions and the impact on local communities.
Still Bright's water-based reaction process, on the other hand, uses a combination of water and battery chemistry principles to extract copper from ore. This process is said to be more efficient and less polluting than traditional smelting methods. The company claims that its technology can reduce the environmental impact of copper production by up to 90%.
The startup's technology has the potential to ease the strain on the copper supply chain, which is expected to face significant challenges in the coming years. The growth in demand for copper is driven by the increasing adoption of clean energy technologies and the need for more efficient and sustainable infrastructure. Still Bright's technology could play a crucial role in meeting this demand while minimizing the environmental impact of copper production.
Still Bright is currently testing its technology and working with industry partners to refine the process. The company hopes to commercialize its technology in the near future, providing a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional copper production methods.
               
              
             
          
Share & Engage Share
Share this article