Solutions to reduce or replace the use of sulfuric acid in copper leaching

What we are looking for?
The cost of sulfuric acid used in copper leaching has been rising, and the goal is to reduce its consumption and/or replace it with an alternative solution capable of effectively leaching copper in its oxidized form.
We are looking for solutions that either increase the efficiency of copper leaching using sulfuric acid as the leaching agent or offer an alternative to sulfuric acid—whether of chemical or natural origin.
Although solutions with industrial validation will be prioritized, Pucobre is also open to piloting a solution at a lower TRL (below TRL 9).
