Vancouver-based Wheaton Precious Metals has awarded USD $1 million to New York cleantech startup Cetos Water, recognizing a wastewater treatment technology designed to address one of mining’s most pressing operational constraints: water.
Cetos Water was named the winner of Wheaton’s second annual Future of Mining Challenge, which this year focused on sustainable water management solutions. The company’s low-energy, solvent-based system is designed to convert complex mine wastewater into clean, reusable water, helping operators reduce discharge risk, tailings liabilities, and freshwater demand.
“Cetos Water’s approach to tackling one of mining’s most pressing challenges exemplifies the type of bold, practical innovation we set out to support,” said Randy Smallwood, Chief Executive Officer of Wheaton. “Their technology has the potential to improve how water is managed across mining operations.”
Water access and stewardship are increasingly shaping mine permitting, operating costs, and project timelines worldwide, particularly as climate pressures intensify and regulators tighten environmental standards.
“Water is quickly becoming a defining constraint on mining operations worldwide,” said Shannon Knee, Founder and CEO of Cetos Water. “We seek to transform complex wastewater from a liability into a resilient resource.”
Delivered in partnership with the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, the Future of Mining Challenge attracted applicants from around the world. Vancouver-based pH7 Technologies and Kitchener’s H2nanO were named finalists, underscoring Canada’s growing role in advancing cleantech solutions for the global mining sector.