BASF Shifts Strategy in Copper Hydrometallurgy to Enhance Sustainability and Processing Efficiency

BASF Shifts Strategy in Copper Hydrometallurgy to Enhance Sustainability and Processing Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) BASF is making a strategic shift in its copper hydrometallurgy business to meet the rising demand for copper and the need for sustainable processing solutions. The company is advancing its LixTRA™ product line and enhancing its leaching aids by consolidating R&D activities at a new facility in Houston. By decentralizing its technical and analytical support for solvent extraction and electrowinning, BASF aims to provide more tailored services to customers. The company continues to innovate in flotation technologies, with advanced formulations under Lupromin®, Luprofroth®, and Luproset® to improve mineral processing efficiency. These steps reinforce BASF’s commitment to leading chemical innovation in the mining sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 21-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF is making a strategic shift in its copper hydrometallurgy business, responding to the growing global demand for copper and the industry’s increasing need for sustainable, resource-efficient processing solutions. As part of this evolution, BASF will not only advance its LixTRA™ product line but will also intensify efforts to develop the next generation of leaching aids that offer enhanced operational efficiency.

To strengthen its capabilities, BASF is integrating its existing leaching program with its ongoing surfactant research. A key part of this strategy is relocating its Global R&D leaching activities from Tucson, Arizona, to a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Houston, Texas. This consolidation of expertise will facilitate greater collaboration among researchers, creating an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas and accelerates innovation. “This synergy will drive solutions that could transform the industry,” says Caren Hoffmann, Vice President of Mining Solutions.

BASF is also decentralizing its technical and analytical capabilities for solvent extraction and electrowinning, moving these closer to its customers to enhance support. Clients using LIX® and LixMSTM will now receive tailored technical services and analytical support to meet their specific needs more effectively.

In addition to these changes, BASF remains at the forefront of innovation in sulfidic and non-sulfidic flotation technologies. Under its renowned brands, including Lupromin®, Luprofroth®, and Luproset®, BASF is developing advanced formulations that significantly improve the efficiency of mineral processing. Hendrik Sporys, Head of Global Marketing, states, “Our expertise and cutting-edge laboratories empower us to create bespoke solutions that address the unique challenges faced by our customers.”

These strategic adjustments position BASF Mining Solutions to better serve the evolving needs of the mining industry through continued chemical innovation.

About BASF’s mining solutions business

With innovative products, global field support and industry leading technical expertise, BASF’s mining solutions business provides sustainable solutions which increase productivity, recovery and flexibility throughout the hydrometallurgical process of mining operations in leaching, solvent extraction, and flotation. Further information can be found at: www.mining-solutions.basf.com.

BASF’s mining solutions business is part of the Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes plastic additives, oilfield chemicals and fuel and lubricant solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including chemicals, plastics, consumer goods, energy and resources and automotive & transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit www.performancechemicals.basf.com

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media Contact:

Laraine Kruger
+27 11 203-2633
+27 72 617 3807
laraine.kruger@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF