Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Pure CuRE Project Successfully Transforms Waste Copper Into High-Purity Feedstock For Sustainable Manufacturing
Aeramine, in partnership with Phoenix Scientific Industries (PSI), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and other collaborators, has successfully concluded the Pure CuRE project. This £1 million initiative, funded by Innovate UK, focused on recycling waste copper into high-purity copper powder for valuable applications. The project aims to establish a sustainable manufacturing supply chain within the UK.
The Pure CuRE project achieved significant milestones in refining waste copper. MTC's briquetting method emerged as the most cost-effective way to consolidate copper waste, achieving competitive pricing of £15-£20 per kilogram for 99.9% pure copper. Aeramine's vacuum induction melting technology refined copper to an impressive 99.997% purity while saving over 50% energy compared to traditional methods.
PSI successfully atomised the copper feedstock, reducing oxygen content by 60%, from 250 ppm to 100 ppm. This process produced powder suitable for advanced manufacturing applications. Further oxygen reduction was achieved through PSI's fluidised bed processing technology, lowering it from 100 ppm to 40 ppm, resulting in ultra-low oxygen powders for demanding uses.
The high-purity copper produced is ideal for advanced electronics, medical engineering, and cryogenic systems. Demonstrations using Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing highlighted its viability for high-performance applications like heat exchangers, aerospace, and automotive components. The project's success positions the UK as a leader in sustainable copper recycling.
Alex Lapis, Aeramine's co-founder and managing director, stated: "Our vacuum refinement technology has proven its capability to deliver ultra-high purity copper efficiently. We’re excited to scale this innovation and explore its application in other metals." Dr Tom Rehaag from PSI added that their fluidised bed technology offers an invaluable solution for rejuvenating old powders back to as-new condition.
Project Expansion Plans
Dr Steven Hall from MTC noted that Pure CuRE represents a major advancement in upcycling scrap copper into high-purity formats. This supports creating a fully circular UK-based supply chain and provides opportunities for leveraging high-purity copper in electrification and nuclear fusion applications. The team is now focused on scaling production and seeking commercial partnerships.
With a ten-year growth target, the project aims to transform copper recycling and expand into other high-value materials. The initiative is part of Innovate UK's 'Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing' programme, supporting the UK's circular economy by upcycling scrap copper into high-value feedstock.
About Aeramine
Founded in 2021 by Alex Lapis and Raymond Lam, Aeramine addresses global copper shortages with innovative solutions. Alex holds a master's degree in telecommunications engineering from Donetsk National Technical University and has over 20 years of experience in product prototyping and electronics. Raymond Lam FCCA is a chartered certified accountant with extensive experience in manufacturing.
About Phoenix Scientific Industries (PSI)
Established in 1987, PSI designs advanced materials processing technology systems for various sectors worldwide. Their innovations have led to new metal alloys essential for resource conservation technologies in the 21st century.
About the Manufacturing Technology Centre
Since 2010, MTC has transformed product design and manufacturing processes across industries like aerospace and defence. It is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult established with Innovate UK support.
The Pure CuRE project marks a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing practices within the UK while setting sights on future expansions into rare earth metals and other valuable materials.
Continue with Google