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Startup Fundraising

pH7 Technologies Secures $32M for Metal Extraction Tech

pH7 Technologies closes $32M Series B, plus venture debt, to scale its electrochemical metal recovery technology for global mining operations.

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Alvaro de la Maza

Partner at Aninver

Key Takeaways

  • pH7 Technologies raised $32.0M (Series B) from Asahi Kasei, Circular Innovation Fund, Fine Structure Ventures, BHP Ventures.
  • Sector: Cleantech & Climatech, Materials, Chemicals & Natural Resources, Mining.
  • Geography: Canada.

Analysis

Vancouver-based pH7 Technologies has successfully concluded an oversubscribed Series B funding round, bringing in approximately $32 million USD in equity. This significant capital infusion is earmarked to accelerate the global deployment of its groundbreaking electrochemical metal recovery technology. Complementing the equity raise, the company also secured venture debt from RBCx, pushing the total financing package to roughly CAD $55 million (USD ~$39 million). This strategic financial maneuver positions pH7 to address the escalating demand for critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition.

The latest funding round saw robust participation from prominent investors, with Asahi Kasei and the Circular Innovation Fund co-leading the investment. They join a distinguished group of existing backers, including Fine Structure Ventures and BHP Ventures, underscoring strong market confidence in pH7's disruptive approach to resource extraction. The company's proprietary technology offers a compelling alternative to conventional mining methods, promising enhanced economic viability and reduced environmental footprints.

pH7 Technologies' core innovation lies in its proprietary organo-electrochemical process. This scalable system is designed to efficiently extract valuable metals such as copper, nickel, gold, and platinum group metals (PGMs) from low-grade ores, tailings, and other previously uneconomical sources. By enabling the recovery of metals from secondary and marginal deposits, pH7 is unlocking new supply streams at a time when global reserves are under increasing pressure. This is particularly relevant as the mining sector grapples with declining ore grades and the growing need for sustainable practices.

The company's technology operates as a closed-loop system, minimizing waste generation and water consumption compared to traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. This focus on environmental stewardship aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny and investor demand for ESG-compliant operations. pH7's ability to process diverse feedstocks, including spent catalysts, further highlights its versatility and potential to contribute to a circular economy for metals.

Currently, pH7 Technologies operates a commercial facility in Vancouver focused on recovering PGMs from spent catalysts. The newly acquired capital will be instrumental in scaling up its operations and facilitating the broader adoption of its technology within the global mining industry. The company aims to deploy its solutions across various mining operations worldwide, directly confronting the global shortage of critical minerals and bolstering the supply chain for renewable energy technologies.

The successful closing of this Series B round signifies a pivotal moment for pH7 Technologies. It validates the company's technological advancements and its potential to reshape the future of metal extraction. With substantial backing from industry leaders and financial institutions, pH7 is well-equipped to expand its commercial reach and make a tangible impact on the sustainable sourcing of essential materials for a decarbonizing world.