By adding bio-surfactants along with the other chemicals during the soaking process, more copper floats to the surface and less is wasted. Locus says its bio-surfactants increase copper yields by 7%, and save energy because less rock needs to be crushed. It is also testing its process on iron ore and tailings waste. Photo: douglas magno/Agence France-Presse/Getty ImagesGroups concerned about the environment frequently talk about mining waste or so-called tailings, mining companies less so. “Long term we need to get more suppliers of these metals, rare earths in particular.”Phoenix finds mine sites where the tailings waste is free from radioactive elements such as thorium and uranium.

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