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Still Bright
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Ambient-temperature hydrometallurgical copper extraction
Still Bright
Work Here?
Ambient-temperature hydrometallurgical copper extraction
Overview
Still Bright uses a hydrometallurgical RACER process to extract copper from sulfide ore at ambient temperature, employing a vanadium-based leach that dissolves copper. The copper-rich solution is regenerated with electricity to reuse the vanadium medium, enabling electrometallurgy and allowing up to about 99% copper recovery with renewable-powered operations. The system is modular and cheaper to scale (70–90% lower capital cost) and can process high-grade ore, tailings, and other difficult materials at mines of various sizes. The company aims to scale from a 2 t/year pilot to a 500 t/year demonstration by 2028 and ultimately deploy 10,000 t/year commercial units to establish a domestic copper supply chain.
About Still Bright
Industries
Hardware
Industrial & Manufacturing
Energy
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$18.7M
Headquarters
Newark, New Jersey
Founded
2022
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Still Bright moved to NEST Center in Kenilworth in June 2026 with 15,000 square feet.
- Its July 2025 seed round brought $18.7 million from BEV, Material Impact, and Fortescue.
- The company says 2026 pilot projects will process dirty concentrates and export-bound raw materials.
What critics are saying
- The pilot still produces two tons yearly, versus a 500-ton demo targeted for 2027-2028.
- Mining customers demand bankable throughput, and one failed site trial kills commercialization.
- If RACER never scales beyond the lab, Still Bright burns its 2025 seed round and stalls.
What makes Still Bright unique
- RACER extracts copper in minutes at ambient temperature and pressure, not smelting.
- The closed-loop vanadium reagent regenerates electrically, cutting pollution and reagent loss.
- Still Bright targets dirty concentrates, tailings, and co-products like gold, nickel, and cobalt.
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Funding
Total Funding
$18.7M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
1 Rounds
Industry standards
Benefits
Company Equity
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 6%1 year growth
↑ 6%2 year growth
↓ -5%Still Bright, a copper-extraction startup, has relocated to the Northeast Science and Technology Centre in Kenilworth, New Jersey, occupying 15,000 square feet of laboratory space that will serve as its global headquarters. The move follows the company's departure from the HAX Accelerator incubator in Newark. Founded in 2022, Still Bright raised $18.7 million in seed funding in 2025. The company has developed a patented RACER process that recovers up to 99% of copper from sulphide ore at ambient temperature and pressure, producing no harmful waste. It is now advancing to pilot-scale production with plans for a demonstration unit capable of producing approximately 500 tonnes of copper annually. The new facility will support research and development, technical testing, corporate operations and pilot-scale manufacturing.
Still Bright raises $18.7M in seed funding.
Still Bright is now loaded up with $18.7 million in seed money to build out its demonstration unit.
New Jersey startup Still Bright has revolutionized copper production with an innovative electrochemical process that reduces costs and waste. The company secured $19M in seed funding to advance its technology and build a demonstration unit. This method aligns with global sustainability efforts and could impact industries like electronics and renewable energy. Industry experts are watching its scalability, as success could lead to more investments and partnerships, positioning Still Bright as a key player in the metals market.
Still Bright, backed by SOSV, is revolutionizing copper extraction with a vanadium-based solution inspired by vanadium flow batteries. This method reduces pollution and costs, with equipment 70%-90% cheaper than traditional methods. The company plans a demonstration unit by 2027-2028 to produce 500 tons annually, aiming for 10,000 tons eventually. They seek to become one of the cheapest copper producers, leveraging potential tariffs to boost commercialization.
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About Still Bright
Industries
Hardware
Industrial & Manufacturing
Energy
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$18.7M
Headquarters
Newark, New Jersey
Founded
2022
Still Bright is Hiring for 5 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today