Japan JOGMEC has successfully developed a new technology for copper smelting
2025-09-07 07:40:43
Japan's Oil and Gas and Metal Mineral Resources Agency (JOGMEC) has recently introduced an innovative technology that enables 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, significantly enhancing the extraction process. Field trials are now underway on the outskirts of Kebiapo in northern Chile, marking a crucial step toward commercial application.
Copper remains a vital material in electrical wiring, circuit boards, and a wide range of industrial applications. With rapid economic growth in countries like China and India, global demand for copper continues to rise. For Japan, which lacks abundant natural resources, developing methods to extract copper from low-concentration ores is becoming increasingly essential. JOGMEC aims to revitalize both domestic and overseas copper mines using this new technique. Additionally, the agency is exploring potential applications for extracting rare metals from electronic waste, such as discarded mobile phones and computers.
The sulfidic copper smelting process was first developed around 30 years ago and has been used commercially since then. However, JOGMEC officials describe the recent integration of advanced biotechnologies—designed to enhance bacterial efficiency in breaking down ore—as a “revolutionary†advancement. So far, the environmental impact of this method has been managed separately, similar to traditional sulfuric acid extraction techniques.
Since 2005, JOGMEC has been conducting experiments in Otaru Town, Akita Prefecture. Researchers have successfully cultivated naturally occurring bacteria found on copper ores and demonstrated the ability to extract large quantities of copper by adding high concentrations of sulfuric acid. The agency plans to conduct large-scale trials in Kebiapo within the next two years to test whether the same results can be achieved under real-world conditions. These trials will also help identify the optimal refining parameters, bringing the technology one step closer to full commercialization.
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