Founded in 2016 by Dr. Will Barker, alongside co-founders Ollie Crush and Mat R. , Mint Innovation emerged from a modest laboratory in Auckland. Dr. Barker, with a PhD in synthetic science and over a decade in science commercialization, previously contributed to the success of LanzaTech, another New Zealand cleantech company. Witnessing the environmental challenges posed by depleting natural minerals and the growing e-waste problem, he envisioned a sustainable solution: extracting precious metals from electronic waste using biotechnology .
Mint Innovation’s proprietary process combines hydrometallurgy and biometallurgy to recover valuable metals from e-waste:
1. Collection and Preparation: Electronic waste, particularly printed circuit boards, is collected and ground into a fine powder.
2. Metal Dissolution: The powdered e-waste is treated with a solution that dissolves the metals, separating them from non-metallic components.
3. Selective Recovery: Using naturally sourced microbes and inexpensive chemicals, specific metals like gold are selectively precipitated and recovered.
This method allows for the recovery of precious metals without the need for traditional, energy-intensive smelting processes, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
After initial success in their Auckland lab, Mint Innovation progressed to building a pilot plant in East Tamaki, New Zealand. This facility demonstrated the scalability of their technology and laid the groundwork for commercial operations. In 2020, they secured funding to construct a demonstration plant, further validating their process at a larger scale.
By 2024, Mint Innovation was preparing to establish its first U.S. facility, aiming to process various grades of circuit boards and expand its global footprint.
Mint Innovation is also committed to raising awareness about e-waste recycling. In collaboration with local schools, such as Willowbank Primary School in Auckland, they have organized educational initiatives and e-waste collection drives. These programs aim to educate students and communities about the importance of responsible e-waste disposal and the potential for resource recovery.
Looking ahead, Mint Innovation plans to:
• Expand Globally: Establish biorefineries in major cities worldwide to localize e-waste processing and resource recovery.
• Diversify Recovery: Extend their technology to recover metals from other waste streams, such as lithium-ion batteries.
• Collaborate with Industry: Partner with technology companies to integrate recycled materials into new products, promoting a circular economy.
Their mission is to make e-waste recycling accessible and economically viable, reducing environmental impact and conserving natural resources.