AI-designed biomolecule reagents that improve copper flotation recovery and selectivity
Giraffe Bio develops mineral-specific biochemical reagents for mining flotation circuits, engineered so compounds bind more tightly to target minerals such as copper and can also act as depressors for unwanted materials like arsenic, aiming to improve recovery without keeping live microbes in harsh mine environments. Compounds are produced in bioreactors and dropped into existing flotation processes. Cofounded by CEO Alejandro Buffo Sempé. On 13 October 2026 TechCrunch reported a $6.4 million seed round led by Orion Industrial Ventures with BHP Ventures, Twynam, Air Capital and Baruch Future Ventures.