Giraffe Bio aims its bespoke biomolecules at the looming copper shortage

Biotechnology startup Giraffe Bio has raised $6.4 million in a seed funding round to develop mineral-specific chemicals that help mines recover more copper. Orion Industrial Ventures led the round, with participation from BHP Ventures, Twynam, Air Capital, and Baruch Future Ventures, according to the report. Copper supplies could fall 25% short of demand by 2040 due to electrification and data center growth.

While other startups use microbes directly in mine heap leaches to separate minerals from waste, Giraffe Bio grows engineered microbes in a bioreactor to produce bespoke biomolecules. These compounds are then added to a mine's existing flotation process, where chemicals help desired minerals float in a water bath.

Co-founder and CEO Alejandro Buffo Sempé stated that the startup's technology can help mines recover up to 5% more copper by engineering compounds tailored to each mine's specific mineral content. The company also uses its platform to develop depressors, which sink unwanted compounds like arsenic, and can replace harmful traditional chemicals used in flotation.

Though starting with copper, the startup says its platform can also target other minerals like gold and silver.

It remains to be seen how the lab-developed biomolecules will perform at commercial scale within existing mining operations.