As the world accelerates toward a clean energy future, the demand for critical metals like copper and platinum is surging—alongside growing scrutiny of the environmental costs of mining and refining. That’s where Vancouver-based pH7 Technologies comes in.
Led by CEO Mohammad Doostmohammadi, the company has developed a novel process that dramatically reduces water and energy use while efficiently extracting and recycling critical metals. Combining green chemistry with a commitment to circularity, pH7 is reimagining how the materials that power our electric vehicles, solar panels, and smart technologies are sourced.
In this Q+A, Doostmohammadi explains what sets pH7 apart, why near-zero water consumption is a game-changer, and how the company is proving that environmental sustainability and economic performance don’t have to be at odds.
What makes pH7 Technologies different when it comes to sustainable metals extraction?
MD: At pH7, we’re driven by the belief that the world needs a better way to access the metals that power our future. Our approach combines green solvents and advanced chemistry to extract and refine critical metals, such as copper and platinum group metals, with minimal energy and water use. What really sets us apart is how we’ve managed to make the process both highly productive and sustainable. We’re not just talking about incremental improvements; we’re talking about a step-change in how the industry operates.
How does your technology help recycle platinum group metals and support a circular economy?
MD: Recycling is at the heart of what we do. Our technology allows us to selectively recover platinum group metals from recycled materials with industry-leading efficiency and purity. This keeps valuable resources in circulation and reduces the need for new mining. By doing this, we’re helping to build a truly circular economy for critical metals—one where waste is minimized and every ounce of value is captured.
Why is near-zero water consumption such a big deal for copper extraction?
MD: Traditionally, mining uses millions of tons of water with a troubling output of wastewater and other environmental harms. In regions like Chile, mine operations rely on desalinated water pumped up 4,000 meters to reach mine sites. Our near-zero water process is a breakthrough, especially as regulations tighten and companies look for ways to shrink their environmental footprint. It means we can operate in places where water is scarce and meet the world’s copper demand without putting extra pressure on our most precious resource. Plus, it’s more cost-effective and scalable, which is crucial as the market for copper alone is expected to approach $360B by 2030.
How does pH7 Technologies fit into the renewable-energy transition?
MD: Critical metals are essential to technologies ranging from AI and clean energy to the electrification of transportation systems and development of other technologies needed to combat global warming and other environmental threats. Our job is to make sure those metals are available and that they’re produced in a way that doesn’t undermine the very environmental goals we’re all working toward.
How do you balance economic and environmental priorities in your work?
MD: For us, it’s never been about choosing between what’s good for business and what’s good for the planet. We’ve proven that you can have both. Our process delivers high production yields and purity, uses less energy and water, and generates minimal waste. That means lower costs, higher productivity, and a much smaller environmental footprint.
What’s your vision for pH7 Technologies in the years ahead?
MD: I see pH7 as a catalyst for real, positive change in how the world sources and recycles critical metals. As we grow, I want us to set new standards for sustainability and efficiency, and not just in Canada, but globally. Ultimately, our goal is to make sure the renewable-energy transition has the materials it needs, produced in a way that’s good for people and the planet.