From Chile to the world, ChucaoTech is redefining how mining processes extract value while protecting the planet. The company’s breakthrough technology, Nanolyx, uses nanobubbles to optimize mineral recovery in an environmentally friendly way—delivering remarkable efficiency gains without harmful chemical additives. With proven results in large-scale mining operations, ChucaoTech’s solution represents a powerful leap forward for global sustainability and profitability in the mining sector.
In this interview, Tomás Bravo, co-founder of ChucaoTech, shares insights on the transformative impact of Nanolyx, its sustainability advantages, and the potential for collaboration with the United Arab Emirates as a hub for innovation and global scaling.
Nanolyx has achieved a +7.3% improvement in copper recovery. How significant is this for mining operations globally?
An increase of 7.3% in recovery is very significant. In large-scale operations that process millions of tons per year, every additional 1% can translate into extra revenue worth several million dollars. In Chile, for instance, a 1% increase represents approximately USD 4.2 million in additional fine copper. Scaled globally, the impact is massive—it allows for better resource utilization, extends the lifespan of deposits, and generates highly attractive financial returns for mining companies.
What makes your nanobubble technology both environmentally friendly and cost-effective?
Nanolyx enhances metallurgical efficiency using only oxygen and water as vectors, without adding any polluting chemicals. This reduces sulfuric acid and reagent consumption, decreases indirect CO₂ emissions, and optimizes water use throughout the process. Furthermore, the injectors are energy-efficient, minimizing the operational footprint.
The result is a cleaner, more profitable, and sustainable process fully aligned with the industry’s environmental objectives.
From your perspective, how could the United Arab Emirates become a hub for innovation, financing, or pilot testing of technologies like Nanolyx, given its focus on sustainability and international investment?
The United Arab Emirates has the ideal ecosystem—access to international capital, a favorable regulatory framework, and a clear vision for energy transition. For companies like ChucaoTech, establishing pilot projects or strategic partnerships in the UAE would accelerate global validation, enable scaling through new financing opportunities, and position the country as a reference point for innovation in mining and sustainability.
Can this technology be integrated into existing heap leaching operations without major infrastructure changes?
Yes. That’s one of Nanolyx’s greatest strengths. Our injectors are modular, compact, and durable, designed to integrate directly into existing irrigation or solution circuits without modifying the main heap infrastructure. This minimizes implementation risk and allows quick results in ongoing operations.
What types of collaborations are you looking for—technology licensing, joint ventures, pilot projects in other countries, or direct implementations?
We are open to various collaboration models depending on the partner and the market. Currently, we mainly operate through direct implementations using an annual equipment leasing model. However, we see great value in pilot projects in new geographies, co-development partnerships, and eventually licensing or joint ventures with strategic companies interested in accelerating adoption and global expansion.
(c) latingulf.ae 2025
