Freeport-McMoRan is developing a new chemical compound to improve copper extraction from its waste rock stockpiles. The company aims to eventually recover 800 million pounds of copper annually using advanced leaching methods. It produced 214 million pounds using this technique in 2025.
The approach could unlock value from material already mined at about one-third the cost of traditional mining. It would not require new permits.
CEO Kathleen Quirk said the compound could boost recovery rates threefold. Field tests are planned for later this year. The company expects to provide a clearer deployment timeline during 2027. It is working toward its 2030 production goal.