Unlocking clean minerals from low-grade resources with biomining.
Get StartedAlkaLi Labs is engineering a suite of critical mineral hyper-accumulating microbes
Introducing a new mining modality: our microbial hyperaccumulators pull critical minerals from industrial waste streams, providing low impact, sustainable sources of minerals for the electrification of our infrastructure.
Recovery of Critical Minerals: A Global Challenge
Critical minerals are indispensable for green energy hardware and supplies for most minerals are far short of expected demand. There is more than enough critical minerals in our dilute and contaminated waste streams to meet that future demand.
Lithium in produced water
The lithium in US produced water, waste from our existing oil and gas infrastructure, is enough to meet our domestic demand in 2030, estimated to be 500K tons LCE per year, a $12B market.
Rare earth elements in acid mine drainage
Acid mine drainage, a waste product of mining operations, contains rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, which are crucial for various technologies.
Cobalt in copper mine waste
Cobalt, essential for batteries and other technologies, may also be found in industrial waste streams. Identifying these waste sources and extracting cobalt could further reduce the need for traditional mining.
We created a solution with Biological Direct Lithium Extraction
Our engineered microbes offer a clean, efficient solution for lithium recovery. They effectively manage contaminants and can be produced on site, enabling sustainable biomining in even the most challenging environments.
Ai-assisted Protein Design
We engineer transport proteins with over 99% selectivity using modern AI tools and some in-house methodology.
Genome Engineering
We mutate the microbe's genome using CRISPR/Cas9 to increase salt tolerance and metal accumulation.
Bioprocess Engineering
We develop a new process for using biomass-sorbents to extract minerals, composed of equipment conventionally used in wastewater treatment.
Partner Network
We establish partnerships with industry operators who generate mineral rich waste streams.
Institutions Who Support Us
Work with a unique Team
Join usIn the News
Catch the latest news featuring AlkaLi Labs' breakthroughs and achievements in lithium extraction technology.
Is Biomining the Future of Mining?
AlkaLi Labs is at the forefront of using microorganisms to extract minerals
The possibilities of mining with Lithium using biology
Jacob Roberts spoke to the USAID cohort at Draper University.
We are part of the IndieBio San Francisco - Batch 14
Alkali Labs: Unlocking domestic lithium supply with biology.
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