Decarbonization of Canadian Copper Mines through Net-Zero Copper Processing Technology that Eliminates Concentration & Smelting Processes, and Generates Green Hydrogen (H₂)

Lead Proponent

pH7 Technologies Inc

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to demonstrate pH7’s closed‑loop, net‑zero copper extraction at Taseko’s Gibraltar mine by processing low‑grade sulfide ore in an existing heap to produce 99.9% copper cathode on-site while generating green hydrogen. The project aims to reduce energy use by 62%, lifecycle GHG emissions by 53%, fresh‑water consumption by 98%, and transportation by 80%. It will also generate operational, environmental, and economic evidence to de‑risk scale‑up at Gibraltar and replication across Canadian copper mines.

Expected Results

This project aims to:

1. Reduce environmental impact, achieving up to ~53% lower GHG emissions, ~62% lower energy use, and ~98% reduced freshwater consumption.
2. Strengthen the economy by increasing domestic copper supply for the energy transition, extending mine life, and supporting local jobs.
3. Improve community wellbeing through reduced heavy trucking, elimination of toxic off-gassing, and enhanced watershed protection.
4. Benefit mining operators through higher recovery from low-value ore, on-site copper cathode production, and new revenue streams.
5. Support Indigenous and local communities through targeted employment, cleaner air and water, and earlier land reclamation.
6. Provide credible demonstration data to scale a first‑of‑its‑kind Canadian decarbonization pathway.