Geomechanics.io

  • Free Tools
Sign UpLog In

Geomechanics.io

Geomechanics, Streamlined.

© 2026 Geomechanics.io. All rights reserved.

Geomechanics.io

CMRR-ioGEODB-ioHYDROGEO-ioQCDB-ioFree Tools & CalculatorsBlogLatest Industry News

Industries

MiningConstructionTunnelling

Company

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyLinkedIn
    Projects
    Sustainability

    PH7 C$5M copper extraction trial at Gibraltar: process and risk notes for engineers

    July 1, 2026|

    Reviewed by Joe Ashwell

    PH7 C$5M copper extraction trial at Gibraltar: process and risk notes for engineers

    First reported on MINING.com

    30 Second Briefing

    PH7 Technologies has secured C$5 million from Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program to trial a closed-loop copper extraction process on samples from the Gibraltar mine in British Columbia, Canada’s second-largest open-pit copper operation. The proprietary flowsheet aims to convert low-grade sulphide ore directly into 99.9% pure copper cathodes on-site while generating green hydrogen as a by-product, cutting reliance on conventional smelting. Engineering and technology development phases will focus on generating operational, environmental and economic data to de-risk future demonstration plants and commercial deployment across Canadian copper sites.

    Technical Brief

    • Funding of C$5 million (~US$3.5 million) comes via Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program.
    • Trial feed will be sourced from Trekor Metals’ Gibraltar mine, Canada’s second-largest open-pit copper operation.
    • Project is part of NRCan’s decarbonisation-focused call for proposals, linking copper production directly to energy-transition policy.

    Our Take

    Natural Resources Canada has been deploying similar-scale non-dilutive funding across the value chain – from pH7 Technologies’ copper work to gallium recovery with Rio Tinto and molybdenum at Malmbjerg – signalling a deliberate push to de-risk unconventional critical-mineral extraction routes rather than only backing new mines.

    Our database shows pH7 Technologies already received up to C$4 million via NRC IRAP for PGMs and chalcopyrite processing, so this additional NRCan backing suggests Ottawa now views the Vancouver-based processor as a platform technology player for multiple critical minerals, not a single-commodity bet.

    With copper and other critical minerals central in 297 keyword-matched pieces, the involvement of existing operators like Taseko Mines at Gibraltar and Trekors’ Pilot Mountain in Nevada indicates that if pH7’s 99.9% cathode process scales, it could offer brownfield sites a route to monetise lower-grade or complex feeds without full flowsheet overhauls.

    Geotechnical Software for Modern Teams

    Centralise site data, logs, and lab results with GEODB-io, CMRR-io, and HYDROGEO-io.

    No credit card required.

    • Save and export unlimited calculations
    • Advanced data visualisation
    • Generate professional PDF reports
    • Cloud storage for all your projects

    Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.

    Related Articles

    Mining
    about 1 hour ago

    PLS Pilgangoora 22-sorter TOMRA contract: process design notes for engineers

    TOMRA Mining has secured a contract from Pilgangoora Operations Pty Ltd, a PLS Group subsidiary, to supply 22 sensor-based ore sorters for the P2000 Expansion Project at the Pilgangoora lithium operation in Western Australia. The installation is part of PLS’ pre-Final Investment Decision early works, signalling commitment to large-scale sorting ahead of full project sanction. For process engineers, the move points to increased reliance on front-end sensor-based separation to upgrade run-of-mine feed and manage lithia grade variability before downstream concentration.

    Mining
    about 1 hour ago

    Macmahon’s 42‑month Telfer Gold Mine extension: planning notes for project teams

    Macmahon Contractors has secured a 42‑month extension to provide contract mining services at Greatland Resources’ Telfer Gold Mine in Western Australia, valued at A$485 million over the term. The deal locks in a multi‑year mining services pipeline at one of the state’s major gold operations, supporting continuity of fleet deployment, workforce planning and site-based maintenance. Contractors and suppliers can expect sustained demand for open-pit and underground support services, consumables and rebuilds tied to Telfer’s existing mine plan.

    Mining
    about 1 hour ago

    Metso–Valmet Flowrox pump deal: slurry circuit implications for mine engineers

    Metso has agreed to acquire Valmet’s Flowrox™ peristaltic hose pump and progressive cavity pump technologies, including associated spare parts and service capabilities, targeting abrasive and chemically aggressive slurry duties in mining and minerals processing. The deal adds positive displacement options alongside Metso’s existing slurry and submersible pump lines, enabling tighter process control in applications such as thickener underflow, filter feed and reagent dosing. For operators, the integration should simplify lifecycle support and parts standardisation across critical slurry handling circuits.

    Related Industries & Products

    Mining

    Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management.

    CMRR-io

    Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows.

    HYDROGEO-io

    Comprehensive hydrogeological testing platform for managing, analysing, and reporting on packer tests, lugeon values, and hydraulic conductivity assessments.

    GEODB-io

    Centralised geotechnical data management solution for storing, accessing, and analysing all your site investigation and material testing data.

    AllGeotechnicalInfrastructureHazardsEnvironmental