Aquasaic

Aquasaic

Aquasaic

Bioengineered yeast for eco cobalt recovery

San Francisco, CA, USA

United States

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

Mining wastewater presents a dual challenge: environmental contamination and loss of valuable resources. Approximately 80% of mining wastewater is released untreated, causing severe ecological damage, while valuable metals like cobalt are lost in these waste streams. Conventional treatment methods are either environmentally harmful (chemical precipitation) or prohibitively expensive (membrane filtration), leading many operations to choose minimal treatment.

Aquasaic addresses this challenge through a revolutionary biological approach to metal recovery from mining wastewater. Our technology uses engineered baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae) that produces specific metal-binding proteins on their cell surface, allowing for highly selective cobalt uptake even in complex wastewater streams. This selectivity enables efficient recovery of valuable metals that would otherwise be lost, creating a circular economy approach to mining waste.

The societal impact of our technology extends beyond environmental benefits to include improved health outcomes for mining communities, reduced occupational hazards for workers, and support for sustainable development in mining regions. By making critical mineral recovery more sustainable, we contribute to both countries' clean energy goals while addressing environmental justice concerns. Our solution offers several breakthrough advantages: 1. Chemical-Free Process: Eliminates harsh chemicals, reducing environmental footprint and health risks 2. Energy Efficiency: Uses 50% less energy than conventional methods 3. Rapid Processing: Achieves steady-state metal removal within 48 hours 4. Dual Value Creation: Simultaneously cleans wastewater to EPA standards while recovering 97% of cobalt