MINING CHEMICALS
efficiency, and improved safety.“ These advancements reflect a broader shift toward reagent technologies that deliver strong performance while reducing risk, cost and environmental impact across the flotation circuit.”
BASF’ s copper hydrometallurgy shift
In May 2025, acknowledging the everincreasing demand for copper and the industry’ s need for sustainable and resourceefficient processing, BASF announced a strategic shift in its copper hydrometallurgy business. In addition to advancing the LixTRA™ product line, BASF said it will intensify its efforts in developing the next generation of leaching aids with enhanced efficiency.
BASF added that its capabilities are strengthened by integrating the existing leaching program into its ongoing surfactant research. As part of the initiative, BASF is relocating its global R & D leaching activities from Tucson, Arizona, to its state-of-the-art R & D facility in Houston, Texas. This move is designed to consolidate expertise under one roof, fostering the exchange of ideas among researchers and creating an environment ripe for collaboration and creativity.“ This synergy is poised to drive innovative solutions that could reshape the landscape of our industry,” expressed Caren Hoffmann, Vice President Mining Solutions.
Furthermore, BASF is decentralising its technical and analytical capabilities for solvent extraction and electrowinning, bringing them closer to customers to ensure exceptional support. All customers using LIX ® and LixMS™ will benefit from enhanced technical services and analytical support tailored to their needs.
BASF has also developed LixTRA™, a novel leaching technology for copper heap and dump leach processes. LixTRA™ enables the mine to increase metal recovery and kinetic rate of recovery in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.
The offer includes products and solutions along with expert advice and technical support, which is complimented by extensive research and development capabilities. BASF’ s technical back-up is provided on a global, regional and local basis with dedicated hydrometallurgical technical and research laboratories located within key copper mining regions.
LixTRA™ reduces the surface tension of the lixiviant, resulting in a droplet with a lower contact angle, which increases the wetting area on the mineral surface. This effect improves interstitial lixiviant flow through the ore, increasing the rate of copper recovery. By modifying the contact angle, LixTRA™ increases capillary action, which drives the lixiviant deeper into fractures within the ore, thereby dissolving more copper and increasing recovery.
In addition, BASF continues to innovate in the field of sulphidic and non-sulphidic flotation. BASF says it is committed to developing cutting-edge formulations, marketed under the renowned brands Lupromin ®, Luprofroth ®, and Luproset ®, that significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral processing.“ Our commitment is reflected in our ability to harness extensive expertise and utilise our leading-edge laboratories to develop tailored solutions that address the challenges faced by our customers,” says Hendrik Sporys, Head of Global Marketing. The strategic adjustments positions BASF mining solutions even better to cater to the needs and challenges of the mining industry with chemical innovation.
Looking at regional focus, BASF and FUCHS recently announced that they have entered into a cooperation agreement in Australia. This agreement aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to better serve the Australian mining industry, combining BASF’ s advanced chemistry and deep formulation knowledge with FUCHS’ strong on-ground presence, technical service and customer intimacy.
With a shared commitment to innovation, BASF and FUCHS are delivering tailored flotation solutions for the Australian market, aiming to enhance product performance and support the mining industry. FUCHS will act as the exclusive market interface for BASF’ s flotation and dewatering solutions – marketed under the trademarks Lupromin ®, Luprofroth™, Luproset™ and Drimax ® – managing customer interactions to ensure optimal service, while BASF continues to develop advanced chemistries. BASF will continue to sell its Hydromet solutions directly to Australian customers, including those under the LIX ®, LixTRA™, LixMS™, Solutrix ®, Alamine ® and Aliquat ® trademarks.
FUCHS, a leading supplier of lubricants with a significant presence in Australia’ s mining sector, has expanded its flotation activities, showcasing its commitment to innovation and growth. With its established service network and commercial agreements with many Australian mining houses, FUCHS is described as an ideal partner for BASF.“ Partnering with FUCHS in Australia marks an exciting step forward. Their wellestablished customer relationships and technical service capabilities complement our chemistry expertise, enabling us to deliver more targeted, effective solutions to the mining industry. We are confident that this collaboration will bring meaningful value to our customers,” says BASF’ s Hoffmann.
Axis House helps copper customer in DRC up recoveries
At a copper operation in the DRC, South Africa’ s Axis House was able to help the customer improve oxide copper recovery.“ Oxide copper circuits across the DRC often struggle with inefficient recovery of Acid Soluble Copper, or ASCu. At this operation, recoveries averaged 47.84 %, with performance highly sensitive to feed variability. As the ASCu ratio increased, unrecovered value grew significantly, creating a widening gap between potential and actual plant performance. This represented not a metallurgical inefficiency, but also a direct and ongoing loss of revenue. Following optimisation, AM810 was introduced into the plant at a dosage of 40 g / t, integrated seamlessly with the existing reagent suite.”
At a copper operation in the DRC, South Africa’ s Axis House was able to help the customer improve oxide copper recovery
A one-month plant trial was conducted to validate laboratory findings at scale, monitor performance across varying feed conditions, and quantify both metallurgical and financial impact.“ The objective was clear: to translate theoretical potential into measurable, realworld results. Axis House Group addressed the challenge through a targeted, chemistrydriven strategy. Rather than relying solely on plant condition changes, the focus shifted to optimising the reagent suite to better match the ore characteristics.”
It says that extensive lab test work was conducted to evaluate and refine reagent performance. Through this process AM810 was identified as a key solution to enhance ASCu recovery. This ensured that implementation was grounded in data and not trial-based adjustments. The introduction of AM810 delivered a significant step change in recovery performance.
ASCu recovery increased from 47.84 % to 62.81 %, representing a 15 % improvement. During the trial period, recoveries exceeding 70 % were achieved consistently on multiple days. In addition to higher recoveries, the operation experienced improved stability and greater predictability, demonstrating the effectiveness of a targeted reagent strategy.
22 International Mining | JUNE 2026