Japan JOGMEC has successfully developed a new technology for copper smelting

Japan's Oil, Gas and Metal Mineral Resources Agency (JOGMEC) has recently introduced an innovative technology that allows for the efficient addition of sulfur to copper at a low cost. This method involves introducing sulfuric acid infused with various types of bacteria into low-grade copper ores. The process is currently undergoing large-scale field trials near Kebiapo in northern Chile, with the goal of achieving commercial viability in the near future. Copper plays a vital role in modern infrastructure, particularly in electrical wiring, circuit boards, and electronic devices. With the rapid economic growth in countries like China and India, the global demand for copper continues to rise. For Japan, a nation with limited natural resources, developing technologies to extract copper from low-concentration ores has become increasingly important. JOGMEC aims to revitalize both domestic and international copper mines by leveraging this new approach. In addition, the agency is exploring the possibility of using the same technology to recover rare metals from discarded smartphones and computers, contributing to a more sustainable resource cycle. This bacterial-assisted sulfidic copper extraction method was first developed around 30 years ago and has been used commercially since then. However, JOGMEC officials describe the recent advancements—particularly those that enhance bacterial efficiency in breaking down ore—as "epoch-making." So far, the environmental impact of the process has been managed separately, with sulfuric acid being extracted in a similar manner as before. Since 2005, JOGMEC has been conducting experiments in Otaru Town, Akita Prefecture, where researchers have successfully cultivated naturally occurring bacteria that attach to copper ores. By introducing high concentrations of sulfuric acid, they were able to rapidly extract significant amounts of copper. The agency plans to conduct a large-scale trial in Kebiapo within the next two years to test whether the same results can be achieved under different conditions. This step is crucial for determining the optimal refining parameters and accelerating the path to full commercialization.

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