The microbial technology transforming the future of mineral extraction

Endolith has announced a breakthrough in copper extraction from low-grade ores. The milestone was achieved using samples supplied by Think & Act Differently, powered by BHP. The effort was supported by Unearthed.

Endolith’s breakthrough

In simulated field conditions, Endolith’s engineered microbes delivered a significant uplift in copper recovery from low-grade sulfide ores. The results not only outperformed conventional heap-leaching techniques but also unlocked new value in mineralized waste that has long been considered uneconomic.

Future demand

This advancement comes as copper demand surges globally. By 2035, global consumption is expected to double to 50 million metric tonnes annually.
According to BloombergNEF’s Transition Metals Outlook, meeting the raw material needs of electrification will require $2.1 trillion in investment by 2050. Yet at the same time, BHP’s own studies reveal that average copper ore grades have fallen 40% since 1991, while copper prices are projected to rise 20% by 2027.

Today’s challanges

Today, around 70% of known copper reserves lie in low grade or hard to process deposits. By combining advanced bioengineering with AI-optimized processing, Endolith enables miners to turn these challenging ores into valuable assets. The system increases yield, reduces environmental impact, integrates with existing infrastructure and removes the need for toxic chemical leaching.

Biomining possibilities

“This demonstrates what’s possible when the world’s oldest miners (microbes) go to work on one of today’s biggest challenges” said Liz Dennett, PhD CEO of Endolith. Moreover, “Working with support from the TAD program, we’ve proven a scalable, low-impact solution that unlocks vast copper resources and strengthens critical mineral supply chains for decades to come.”

Buz Barstow from Cornell University said in Scientific American that “microbes use at least six different mechanisms for biomining”, while Sasha Milshteyn, founder of Transition Biomining explained that “replacing sulfuric acid is a big economic benefit, as it can often be the largest operating expense for a mine”.

Holly Bridgwater, co-founder of Unearthed explained: “Endolith’s performance shows what becomes possible when startups can test and scale new science in real-world settings. This is the kind of collaboration needed to unlock the next era of mining innovation.”

Test program

The test program focused on difficult-to-process primary sulfide ores containing less than 1% chalcopyrite and pyrite. Column tests using site-matched ore and fluids at temperatures from 30°C to 65°C demonstrated that Endolith’s approach delivered faster, more complete copper recovery across every scenario tested.

Elizabeth Holley from Colorado School of Mines, has stated in Scientific American:”If large mines just added additional recovery circuits to their process, this could bring needed minerals into production relatively quickly.”