Wedoany.com Report-Jun 5, Ceibo, a technology company, has launched a demonstration plant at Compañía Minera San Gerónimo’s (CMSG) mine in northern Chile, marking a significant advancement in copper production. The plant, utilizing Ceibo’s proprietary sulphide leaching technology, produced its first copper cathodes in May 2025, demonstrating an efficient and scalable approach to copper recovery.

(From left): Patricio Rendic, general manager, CMSG, and Ceibo CEO Cristóbal Undurraga with the first copper cathode produced on-site at CMSG using Ceibo’s technology.

Construction of the facility began in February 2025, achieving this milestone in just three months, highlighting the rapid deployment of Ceibo’s innovative technology. The sulphide leaching method integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, offering a faster alternative to traditional copper extraction processes. This approach enables the processing of sulphide ores previously considered uneconomical or complex, addressing resource scarcity and environmental concerns.

Ceibo CEO Cristobal Undurraga stated: “This isn’t just an efficiency gain, it is a blueprint for how the world gets the copper it needs, faster. Sulphides have historically been out of reach for on-site leaching. Ceibo changes that, delivering a process that integrates with existing operations and accelerates copper recovery at a time when the world urgently needs new supply.”

The technology combines advanced chemistry, data analytics, and AI-driven modeling to optimize performance across various ore types and site conditions. It supports increased production without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades, reducing environmental impact and enhancing the sustainability of mining operations. This is particularly relevant as the industry shifts from oxide to sulphide ores, which presents new operational challenges.

CMSG General Manager Patricio Rendic said: “The first harvest of cathodes using Ceibo’s technology is proof that innovation drives everything we do. As one of few mining companies producing end-of-chain products, we are redefining mining by diversifying and adding value to our copper. This is the future, where mining and innovation come together to enhance productivity and advance the industry.”

With global copper demand expected to double by 2035, Ceibo’s technology offers a scalable solution to meet growing needs while minimizing risks. The demonstration plant in northern Chile showcases the potential to streamline production timelines and improve efficiency in the copper mining sector.

The collaboration between Ceibo and CMSG underscores a commitment to innovative and sustainable mining practices. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the partnership enhances copper production capabilities, supporting the industry’s evolution and addressing global supply chain demands with environmentally conscious solutions.