U.S. Focus on Domestic Copper Processing Gains Momentum
The U.S. aims to enhance its copper processing capabilities, currently reliant on overseas smelting, primarily in China. Key players like Red Metals and Still Bright are advancing projects with substantial funding efforts, reflecting a growing recognition of copper's critical role in technology and infrastructure.
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The U.S. Geological Survey included copper on its critical minerals list in November, highlighting the government's focus on domestic production. Red Metals is investing in a 42,000-square-foot facility equipped for processing and refining, securing $3.5 million for initial phases.
Still Bright is developing pilot-scale reactors in Newark, New Jersey, with a processing capacity of two tons per year and is considering a $40 million Series A round in early 2027. The shift toward local copper processing may mitigate risks associated with supply chain dependencies, particularly as demand for copper in technology and infrastructure continues to rise.
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