Doe Run Advanced Mineral Extraction Process

The Missouri-based firm has planned improvements for its liquid-based mineral recovery technology over the coming year.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Chemistry

Doe Run Advanced Mineral Extraction Process

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The Doe Run Company has announced plans to enhance its proprietary ACL HydroMet Process, a mineral extraction technology in development for 15 years. This research-stage system uses chloride-based chemistry to recover multiple minerals in a single facility.

Why it matters

The technology aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains for critical minerals by allowing for the economic processing of lower-grade ore. This approach could strengthen domestic supply, particularly as the United States officially designated lead as a critical mineral in 2025.

The process leverages an ammonium chloride solution to extract cobalt, copper, germanium, nickel, zinc, lead, antimony, and tin. Unlike traditional thermal smelting, this liquid-based method recycles chloride solutions within the facility to minimize waste.

The players

The Doe Run Company

A Missouri-based mining and recycling firm that operates the Buick Resource Recycling Facility and focuses on lead, copper, and critical mineral production.

The details

The ACL HydroMet Process avoids the high-heat requirements of traditional smelting by utilizing hydrometallurgy, which relies on chemical reactions in liquid solutions. By cycling the ammonium chloride solvent, the system aims to lower operational costs while extracting a wide suite of metals. The Doe Run Company has validated the technology at a pilot plant level, demonstrating the ability to recover diverse minerals from ore within a single, integrated processing facility.

1996: The Doe Run Company transformed a lead smelter into a recycler.
2011: Development of the ACL HydroMet Process began.
2025: Lead was designated as a critical mineral by the United States.
October 5, 2026: The Doe Run CEO discussed technology improvements.
October 2026-2027: Doe Run will improve its ACL HydroMet technology.

The Tech Race

The development follows the 2025 U.S. critical mineral designation for lead, which underscores the strategic importance of domestic extraction processes. This effort sits within a broader industry pivot toward hydrometallurgical methods designed to replace energy-intensive thermal smelting.

While the technology is currently in a research and pilot stage, its successful commercialization could eventually stabilize the local supply of critical minerals used in various industrial sectors. Readers should monitor for future announcements regarding full-scale commercial production timelines.

The takeaway

The move signals a commitment to scaling non-thermal mineral extraction to meet domestic supply needs. Observers should watch for milestones in the planned one-year improvement window to gauge the company's progress toward full commercial capacity.