As demand for copper surges to support electrification, renewables and decarbonisation, the industry must respond with new levels of agility, efficiency and environmental responsibility, the organisers of Copper to the World 2025 say.

Unlocking new supply will require innovative solutions that go beyond incremental improvements, helping mine deeper, process smarter and operate more sustainably across the entire value chain.

In response to these challenges, Austmine is inviting innovators, technology providers and solution developers to take the stage at Innovation Hour, held as part of Copper to the World 2025 in Adelaide, Australia, next month.

“Innovation Hour gives us the opportunity to spotlight the bold ideas and breakthrough technologies that will shape the future of copper,” Christine Gibbs Stewart, CEO of Austmine, says. “We’re proud to provide a platform where industry and innovators can connect, collaborate and drive real change.”

Returning for its second year, Innovation Hour has become a key showcase on the Copper to the World agenda, shining a spotlight on the technologies and ideas shaping the future of copper, organisers say. This session will take place on 26 August and will feature a shortlisted group of companies pitching live to a panel of expert judges and an audience of mining leaders, decision makers and peers.

Launched in 2024, Innovation Hour attracted strong interest from across the innovation ecosystem. Last year’s winner, Loop Hydrometallurgy, was recognised for its Halion Loop™ Copper Production Technology, a process that eliminates noxious gas emissions and liquid effluents, unlocking value from low-grade, polymetallic and arsenic-contaminated feedstocks, it says. The Halion Loop significantly expands the range of economic resources and allows for the thorough utilisation of existing mine sites, Loop Hydrometallurgy says. It is the first technology to directly recover copper from chloride liquor, particularly from the cuprous state, and has been recognised globally for its efficiency and sustainability.

Austmine is calling for submissions that address two core themes for this year’s Innovation Hour:

• Deep copper mining – Seeking solutions that enable the copper sector to mine deeper, safely, efficiently and sustainably. Submissions may focus on improving operational performance at depth, enhancing ventilation and energy efficiency, strengthening geotechnical stability, or reducing environmental impact. Innovations that advance orebody knowledge, improve safety in high-risk environments, or support modular, scalable and ESG-aligned developments are also encouraged. https://mineinnovate.com.au/all-challenges/deep-copper-mining/
• Copper processing solutions – This challenge seeks transformative approaches to reimagine copper mineral processing, with a focus on improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and enabling smarter operations. Solutions may target energy and emissions reduction, increased productivity, improved data integration, or enhanced ESG and safety outcomes. Submissions could involve automation, AI/ML, bioleaching, novel flotation or crushing methods, digital twins, or entirely new process models that support scalable, future-ready copper operations. https://mineinnovate.com.au/all-challenges/copper-processing

Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch live during Copper to the World 2025, gaining exposure to potential partners, customers and investors. It’s a chance to test new ideas in front of a senior industry audience, receive expert feedback and be recognised as a leader in copper innovation, organisers say.

To view the full challenge briefs and to submit a short-form solution, visit mineinnovate.com.au

International Mining is a media sponsor of Copper to the World, taking place on August 26-27 in Adelaide, Australia