Mine Copper Without Destroying the Planet A New Green Vision

Copper, a cornerstone of human civilisation, has played a crucial role in advancing modernity. Essential for industrial machinery, electrical wiring, and plumbing, this metal is now more vital than ever due to its efficiency in conducting electricity and its anti-corrosion properties. With the demand for copper set to soar as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles dominate markets, sustainable mining is becoming a necessity rather than an option.

A pioneering £150 million initiative led by Imperial College London and the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials aims to revolutionise copper extraction methods while protecting the environment. Collaborating with several international universities, the researchers are determined to reduce the ecological damage historically tied to copper mining. Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost at Imperial, highlighted copper as a critical bottleneck in the path to net zero, making it the first project for this innovative centre. Current mining practices risk harming ecosystems, polluting rivers and air, and endangering local populations. As global demand rises towards 50 million tonnes annually by 2050, these challenges must urgently be addressed.

One promising technique involves sourcing liquid copper-rich brines directly from underground volcanic systems instead of extracting the metal from rocky ores. According to Professor Matthew Jackson, this approach significantly reduces waste and energy consumption. Using geothermal energy from these volcanic systems enables researchers to operate self-powered extraction sites. Potential mining locations in New Zealand and Japan have already been identified, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable copper extraction.

Meanwhile, Imperial researchers Franklin Keck and Ion Ioannou have developed a groundbreaking bioengineering method through their company RemePhy. By utilising genetically modified plant-bacterial systems, they aim to extract copper from contaminated mining waste. These specially engineered crops can grow on otherwise unusable land to reclaim the metal, contributing to both environmental rehabilitation and resource recovery.

Professor Ryan stated that achieving sustainability in copper mining involves two essential strategies: reducing overall demand and innovating greener methods for extraction. With the global need for copper expected to exceed the total mined in the last century within the coming decade, these innovative solutions are not just beneficial—they are indispensable for supporting renewable energy transitions while protecting the planet.

As the centre expands its research focus to other critical materials, its contributions will play a pivotal role in enabling the energy revolution and sustaining environmental care, offering hope for a future where development and ecological preservation go hand in hand