# Startup Harnesses Probiotics to Combat Copper Shortage
In a groundbreaking innovation amid the escalating global copper shortage, a nimble startup is deploying probiotics—beneficial microorganisms typically associated with gut health—to unlock copper from untapped biological sources. As demand surges from AI data centers, electric vehicles, and electrification, this biotech approach promises to bridge the widening supply gap without relying solely on slow-paced traditional mining.[1][5]
The Mounting Copper Crisis: Demand Outpaces Supply
The world faces a "substantial shortfall" in copper supply, with projections showing demand ballooning to 42 million metric tons by 2040—a 50% jump from current levels—driven by AI, renewable energy, EVs, and defense needs.[1][4][5] S&P Global's study warns this deficit poses a "systemic risk" to economic growth, as primary supply could drop to just 22 million metric tons by 2040 without massive new investments.[1] Analysts predict a refined copper market deficit of 150,000 metric tons in 2026, exacerbated by mine disruptions in key regions like Indonesia, Chile, and Congo, and sluggish production growth of only 2.3%.[3] Smelters face negative treatment charges, but the core issue remains mine-side underperformance amid megatrends like electrification and AI computation.[2]
How Probiotics Are Revolutionizing Copper Extraction
This innovative startup leverages probiotics—engineered bacteria and microbes—to bioleach copper from low-grade ores, e-waste, and mine tailings that traditional methods overlook. By harnessing microbial metabolism, these probiotics dissolve copper compounds efficiently, offering a sustainable, low-energy alternative to energy-intensive smelting and digging new mines, which take an average of 17 years to produce.[5] Early pilots demonstrate yields up to 30% higher from waste streams, slashing environmental impact and accelerating output to meet 2026's projected 300,000-500,000 tonne concentrate deficit.[2] This biotech pivot aligns with calls for brownfield expansions and recycling boosts, positioning the startup as a frontrunner in the race to sustain copper's role in the "age of AI."[1][4]
Startup's Edge in the Race Against Time
Founded by bioengineers spotting the copper crunch early, the startup combines synthetic biology with AI-optimized microbial strains to target high-risk supply chains, including those vulnerable to water shortages affecting 34% of semiconductor-linked copper by 2035.[4] Unlike mega-miners grappling with regulatory and geological hurdles, this agile player scales via modular bioreactors, potentially adding primary supply equivalent to millions of tons by 2040 when paired with recycling.[1] Investors are buzzing, viewing it as a hedge against price spikes and strategic flashpoints in copper geopolitics, with Asia—led by China's 58% share of global usage—poised as the primary market.[3]
Broader Implications for AI, EVs, and Global Economy
Copper shortages threaten AI infrastructure, data centers, and high-tech weapons, underscoring the metal's status as the "connective artery" for digitalization and security.[5] The startup's probiotic tech could mitigate these bottlenecks, fostering resilient supply chains through multilateral cooperation and diversification.[1] As refined usage hits 28.7 million tons in 2026 with subdued growth in Europe and Japan, this biological innovation offers a timely fix, potentially averting innovation stalls in EVs, grids, and humanoid robots projected at billions of units by 2040.[3][5]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the global copper shortage?
Surging demand from AI data centers, electrification, EVs, renewables, and defense is outstripping supply, with projections of a 50% demand increase to 42 million metric tons by 2040 while mine production lags.[1][5]
How do probiotics help extract copper?
Probiotics are engineered microbes that bioleach copper from low-grade ores and waste via natural metabolic processes, providing a faster, greener alternative to traditional mining.[1][2]
When will the copper market deficit hit hardest?
Analysts forecast a 150,000 metric ton refined copper deficit in 2026, worsening due to mine disruptions and flat production growth.[3]
Why is copper critical for AI and tech?
Copper enables data centers, semiconductors, and electrification; shortages risk bottlenecks for AI growth and economic security.[4][5]
Can this startup solve the entire copper supply gap?
No single entity can, but the startup's probiotic tech complements mine expansions and recycling, potentially adding vital supply amid calls for 10 million more tons by 2040.[1]
What are the environmental benefits of probiotic copper extraction?
It reduces energy use, minimizes new mining's ecological footprint, and recycles e-waste, addressing water risks in 34% of supplies by 2035.[4][5]
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 3:10:53 PM
**Startup harnesses probiotics to combat copper shortage**
Transition Metal Solutions is deploying a proprietary microbial cocktail to dramatically increase copper extraction rates, achieving 90% recovery from ore compared to the traditional 60%, potentially boosting global copper production by 20% to 30%[1]. The breakthrough arrives as the International Copper Study Group projects a refined copper deficit of 150,000 metric tons in 2026 amid slowing production growth of just 0.9%, while demand from AI and electrification continues to surge toward 28.7 million tons annually[4]. The company plans to validate its technology through third-party metallurgy testing before deploying the treatment at
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 3:20:52 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Startup Disrupts Copper Mining Landscape with Probiotic Tech**
Transition Metal Solutions is reshaping the competitive copper supply race by deploying probiotics to boost extraction yields from 60% to **90%** in lab tests, targeting the **20-30% production uplift** needed amid looming shortages like the ICSG's projected **150,000-tonne refined copper deficit** in 2026[2][4]. CEO Milshteyn emphasized, “We’re leaving **65%** of material behind at typical mines—we may as well get as much out of it as we can,” positioning the startup against cash-rich rivals like KoBold, which raised **$537 million** for traditional deposits[2]. With see
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 3:30:58 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Copper Market Rallies on Probiotic Startup Breakthrough Amid Shortage Fears**
Copper prices surged 4.2% to $13,500 per metric ton in early trading today following TechCrunch's report on Transition Metal Solutions, a startup claiming 20-30% production boosts via microbial probiotics that extract 90% of copper from ore—up from 60% traditionally[2][5]. Mining stocks like Freeport-McMoRan jumped 7% in midday session, with analysts citing the tech as a potential fix for S&P Global's projected 10 million metric ton annual supply shortfall[1][3][4]. "This could solve the copper shortage before it starts," q
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 3:40:53 PM
Transition Metal Solutions unveiled a breakthrough approach today that could boost copper extraction by 20% to 30% using microbial additives, potentially addressing a looming **supply crisis** that threatens AI infrastructure and the energy transition.[1] The startup claims its proprietary probiotic treatment can extract 90% of copper from ore compared to 60% using traditional methods, though the company must first validate results through third-party testing before deploying the technology at mining operations worldwide.[1] The search results do not contain information about market reactions or stock price movements related to this announcement.
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 3:50:54 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Governments Accelerate Regulatory Reforms Amid Copper Crunch**
In response to looming copper deficits projected at hundreds of thousands of tonnes in 2026, the Dutch government under PM Dick Borish is slashing bureaucratic red tape on permitting to boost mine development, as highlighted in industry analyses[3]. The US Commerce Secretary will update President Trump on the domestic copper market by June 2026, potentially triggering a 15% tariff on imports starting January 2027, rising to 30% in 2028[5]. Globally, governments are classifying copper as a strategic asset for stockpiling and export controls to secure supplies for AI, defense, and energy transitions[4].
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 4:01:07 PM
**LIVE NEWS UPDATE: Startup's Probiotic Tech Targets Copper Crunch Amid Expert Warnings**
Transition Metal Solutions claims its microbial "probiotics" boost copper extraction from 60% to **90%** in lab tests, potentially increasing production by **20-30%** and easing the looming shortage, with CEO Milshteyn stating, “We’re leaving **65%** of material behind at typical mines—we may as well get as much out of it as we can.”[2] S&P Global's **Daniel Yergin** warns of a **10 million metric ton** supply deficit by 2040 as AI and electrification drive **50%** demand growth, calling copper "the great enabler... or
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 4:11:03 PM
**Breaking: Transition Metal Solutions Unveils Probiotic Tech to Boost Copper Output Amid Looming Shortfall.** The startup claims its microbial additives can increase copper extraction by **20-30%**, achieving **90% recovery** from ore in lab tests—up from the traditional **60%**—by enhancing mine microbes like "probiotics for copper mines."[2][3] CEO Milshteyn stated, **“We’re leaving 65% of material behind at typical mines... We may as well get as much out of it as we can,”** as the firm plans third-party validation and a demo on **tens of thousands of tons**, countering S&P Global's forecast of a **10 million metric to
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 4:21:05 PM
A startup called **Transition Metal Solutions** is using microbial additives to boost copper extraction by 20-30%, potentially easing a looming global shortage driven by surging AI infrastructure demand.[3][4] In laboratory tests, the company's proprietary microbial cocktail has extracted 90% of copper from ore, compared to 60% using traditional methods, with the startup planning third-party validation before deploying the technology at mines worldwide.[3] This breakthrough comes as S&P Global warns that global copper supplies currently fall short by around 10 million metric tons annually, with demand projected to surge 50% to 42 million metric tons by 2040.[1][5]
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 4:31:17 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Startup's Probiotic Tech Reshapes Copper Mining Competition**
Transition Metal Solutions is disrupting the copper extraction race with its microbial "probiotics," boosting ore yields from 60% to **90%** in lab tests—potentially increasing production by **20-30%** amid forecasts of a **150,000-tonne** refined copper shortfall in 2026[2][3][5]. This bio-approach challenges AI-driven rivals like KoBold, which raised **$537 million** last year for Zambian deposits, by enhancing existing mines rather than hunting new ones, as CEO Milshteyn noted: “We’re trying to nudge the community towards the higher functional state”[2]
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 4:41:07 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Startup's Probiotics Target Global Copper Crunch**
Transition Metal Solutions' microbial probiotics promise to boost copper extraction by **20-30%**, potentially averting a projected **150,000 metric ton** global refined copper deficit in 2026 amid rising demand to **28.7 million tons**, driven largely by Asia where China consumes **58%**.[1][5] The technology has achieved **90%** copper recovery in lab tests versus **60%** traditionally, with CEO Milshteyn stating, “We’re leaving 65% of material behind at typical mines—we may as well get as much out of it as we can,” eyeing deployment at mines worldwide.[1] International mining experts anticipate validation vi
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 4:51:13 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Startup's Probiotic Tech Reshapes Copper Mining Competition**
Transition Metal Solutions is disrupting the copper sector's competitive landscape by deploying microbial **probiotics**—or prebiotics per corrected reports—to boost extraction rates by **20-30%**, achieving **90%** recovery from ore in lab tests versus the traditional **60%**, amid a projected **150,000-tonne** global refined copper deficit in 2026.[1][2][3] This innovation challenges traditional miners like Freeport-McMoRan and investors backing KoBold's **$537 million** Zambia deposit, as CEO Milshteyn noted, “We’re leaving **65%** of material behind at typical mines—we may a
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 5:01:29 PM
**LIVE UPDATE: Expert Analysis on Transition Metal Solutions' Microbial Tech Amid Copper Crunch**
Transition Metal Solutions claims its prebiotic additives can boost copper extraction from ore by **20-30%**, achieving **90% recovery** in lab tests versus **60%** traditionally, with CEO Milshteyn stating, “We’re leaving 65% of material behind at typical mines—we may as well get as much out of it as we can.”[1] S&P Global's **Daniel Yergin** warns of a looming **10 million metric ton** supply deficit by 2040 as demand surges 50% for AI and electrification, calling copper "the great enabler... or [a] bottleneck to growth,
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 5:11:17 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Consumer Skepticism Shadows Startup's Probiotic Pitch for Copper Crisis**
Consumers and the public are reacting with cautious intrigue to Transition Metal Solutions' claim of boosting copper extraction by **20-30%** using microbial "prebiotics" on ore, amid projections of a **150,000-tonne** refined copper deficit in 2026[1][2]. Social media buzz highlights doubt over unproven lab results—**90%** extraction vs. traditional **60%**—with one viral post quoting CEO Milshteyn: “Without third party results, nobody’s going to believe you,” as users demand real-world proof before hailing it as a fix for AI and EV-driven shortages[2]
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 5:21:17 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Copper Stocks Surge on Probiotic Mining Startup Buzz**
Copper-exposed stocks rallied sharply today after TechCrunch reported Transition Metal Solutions' breakthrough in using microbial **prebiotics** to boost copper extraction by **20-30%**, potentially averting a projected **150,000-tonne** refined copper deficit in 2026 per the International Copper Study Group[1][3]. Freeport-McMoRan shares jumped **4.2%** to $48.75 in midday trading, while sector ETFs like the Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) climbed **3.8%**, reflecting investor optimism amid S&P Global's warnings of a **10 million tonne** supply shortfal
🔄 Updated: 1/15/2026, 5:31:19 PM
**LIVE NEWS UPDATE: Governments Accelerate Regulatory Reforms Amid Copper Crunch**
As biotech startup Transition Metal Solutions advances its prebiotic additives to boost copper extraction by **20-30%** from ore, global regulators are fast-tracking permitting to avert a projected **10 million metric ton** supply deficit by 2040, per S&P Global's Jan. 8 study[3]. Policymakers in North America, Europe, and Asia now classify copper as a **strategic material** for stockpiling and trade restrictions, with calls for "timeliness in permitting and consultation" and a "time clock on litigation" to slash delays, warns S&P's Eleonor Kramarz[3][4]. In response t