Engineered microbes that extract up to 60% of copper from low-grade ores that conventional methods cannot profitably process.
1849 bio designs microorganisms specifically engineered for each mine's unique ore composition to unlock copper extraction from chalcopyrite and other challenging ores. The process involves sampling and sequencing ore to map microbiome and mineral composition, engineering optimized microbial strains using an advanced bioengineering platform, high-throughput screening, and deploying the custom solution through existing leaching infrastructure. Recovery rates up to 60% are achievable versus 20% from conventional bioleaching, with no disruption to existing mining operations. 1849 bio is a product of 1849 bio.