Copper Intelligence and CoTec Formed Tailings Venture
The joint venture aims to apply processing technology to extract copper from historical tailings in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Copper Intelligence and CoTec Holdings Corp. have finalized a shareholder agreement to form a joint venture incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. The new entity will leverage CoTec technologies to process historical copper tailings in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why it matters
The partnership seeks to add non-dilutive capital to Copper Intelligence while applying new processing methods to redundant copper deposits. It highlights a strategic pivot toward reclaiming material from sites created in the 1950s by Gécamines.
The Democratic Republic of Congo accounted for 65% of globally announced new copper reserves in 2023. The venture aims to monetize historical tailings sites first developed in the 1950s.
The players
Copper Intelligence
A mining-focused company currently securing non-dilutive capital for copper reclamation projects.
CoTec Holdings Corp.
A technology provider specializing in proprietary processes to improve mining efficiency and resource extraction.
Julian Treger
An investor associated with the new joint venture and capital vehicles involved in the agreement.
Lucio Genovese
An investor linked to the joint venture's funding and strategic management structure.
Gécamines
A state-owned mining enterprise in the Democratic Republic of Congo responsible for historical mineral extraction.
The details
The venture will utilize CoTec technologies to enhance the economic potential of tailings, which are the leftover materials from mining operations. This process requires detailed legal and technical due diligence and board approval for every individual asset targeted within the Central African Copperbelt. The group also expects to seek project funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.
Timeline
1950s: Tailings volumes were generated by Gécamines.
2023: The Democratic Republic of Congo accounted for 65% of new copper reserves.
September 29, 2026: The joint venture agreement was finalized.
The Tech Race
This project aligns with the industry-wide focus on extracting value from historical mining sites to meet global copper demand. It follows the concentration of 65% of new copper reserves in the Democratic Republic of Congo during 2023.
Future development of these tailings sites remains contingent on successful board approval and the completion of rigorous due diligence for each asset. The project currently relies on securing support from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.
The takeaway
The venture demonstrates how capital is shifting toward legacy mining waste as a source for critical minerals. Watch for future disclosures regarding board approvals and site-specific project timelines.
Further reading
For broader trends in resource processing and mining-related technology, visit the Quantum Computing section.
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