Transition Metal Solutions Uses Microbes to Solve the Looming 2040 Copper Shortage
Transition Metal Solutions raised $6M to solve the looming copper shortage using microbial 'probiotics' that boost extraction rates by up to 30%.
The world is on a collision course with a massive supply gap. By 2040, copper demand could exceed supply by as much as 25%, threatening the global transition to EVs and AI-driven data centers. While giants hunt for new deposits, one startup is looking at the microscopic world to squeeze more value out of existing mines.
Transition Metal Solutions Copper Microbe Tech: A New Mining Paradigm
According to TechCrunch, Transition Metal Solutions (TMS) has raised a $6 million seed round to scale its "probiotics for copper mines." The round, led by Transition Ventures, aims to prove that stimulating local microbial communities can boost copper production by 20% to 30%.
Traditional methods often failed because they focused on single, lab-grown strains. Sasha Milshteyn, co-founder and CEO of TMS, argues that microbes aren't solo actors. Instead of pouring alien bacteria onto ore heaps, TMS uses low-cost inorganic compounds to "nudge" the entire existing community toward a higher functional state.
Boosting Extraction Rates to 90% in Lab Trials
The results are impressive. In lab samples, TMS extracted 90% of copper from ore, compared to just 60% using traditional methods. Even accounting for real-world drop-offs, Milshteyn expects the technology to bring extraction rates from the industry average of 30-60% up to at least 50-70%.
| Method | Standard Extraction | TMS Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Efficiency | 60% | 90% |
| Field Efficiency | 30-60% | 50-70%+ |
| Key Mechanism | Isolated Strains | Community Nudging |
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