UQ start-up unlocks copper

Inaccessible supplies of an element crucial to powering a clean-energy future are set to be unlocked with technology developed by The University of Queensland (UQ).

The technology, commercialised through new start-up company Banksia Minerals Processing (BMP), is a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to extract copper from previously unviable low-quality resources.

UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering metallurgy major lead and Hydrometallurgy Research Group head, Associate Professor James Vaughan says the technology reveals cleaner more efficient methods for processing copper concentrate.

“While much of the world is going wireless, large amounts of copper are still needed to run everything from smartphones to electric vehicles,” he said.

“Copper plays a key role in achieving global ambitions towards clean energy transition and electrification, however current supply is forecasted to outstrip demand.

“Up to three quarters of the world’s known resources of copper are commercially unviable, but our technology seeks to address this.”

The creation of Banksia was brokered by UQ’s commercialisation company UniQuest and has investor backing from venture capital firm IP Group and grant funding through the federal government’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program.

Banksia managing director Leigh Staines says the investment from IP Group will support the technology’s first phase of development, including determining its optimum operating parameters, engineering design and efficiency, compared with existing copper smelting processes.

“The new copper refining process provides two key benefits relevant to the energy transition by decarbonising copper production and enabling cost-efficient local manufacturing,” she said.

“In addition to being an exciting opportunity for the copper sector, this project is a celebration of UQ ingenuity and teamwork.”

IP Group investment manager Shane Meaney says operators around the world are looking for solutions to accessing copper reserves.

“Improving access to copper production is of value at a global scale, and we’re excited to be a major investor,” he said.

UniQuest chief executive Dean Moss says it is thrilling to see UQ help unlock access to previously untapped copper ore resources.

“Maintaining supply for copper production is an essential part of the electrification of our modern world,” he said.

“We rely on it for cables, electric vehicles and electric goods like radios and TV.”

The start-up company’s development will be supported by Promech, a Brisbane-based engineering company, led by UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering honorary fellow Michael Wallis.