Problem & solution

Transforming legacy mining waste into high-purity copper and sustainable construction materials — restoring the environment, strengthening U.S. infrastructure, and creating skilled jobs for a more secure, resilient future.

THE PROBLEM

Historic mining helped build America’s economy — but it left behind a costly and unresolved environmental legacy.

Across the United States, abandoned tailings piles contain hundreds of millions of tons of material contaminated with copper and other minerals. These legacy sites:

  • Pose ongoing environmental and public health risks

  • Degrade ecosystems and sensitive shorelines

  • Require billions of dollars in long-term remediation funding

  • Provide little to no economic value for surrounding communities

Quincy Materials has identified multiple legacy tailings deposits — exceeding 100 million tons — that are uniquely suited for modern reprocessing using today’s proven mineral recovery technologies.

THE SOLUTION

Quincy Materials transforms historic mining waste into two high-value, market-ready resources:

High-Purity Copper

Recovered using established beneficiation and separation technologies, Quincy’s copper output strengthens domestic supply chains critical to electrification, infrastructure, and national security.

Basalt-Derived Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)

A low-carbon alternative to traditional cement inputs, Quincy’s SCM replaces a portion of carbon-intensive Portland cement in concrete — without compromising performance.

  • Every ton of Portland cement produces approximately 0.8 tons of CO₂

  • SCM substitution directly reduces emissions while maintaining strength and durability

By leveraging established industrial processes and proven commercial models, Quincy’s approach is scalable, repeatable, and ready for deployment across multiple legacy sites.

Environmental Impact

  • Remediates copper-contaminated legacy mining sites

  • Reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions through SCM adoption

  • Restores ecosystems and sensitive shorelines, including Lake Superior

Social Impact

  • Creation of 30+ high-skill jobs at each project location

  • Workforce development, education, and training partnerships

  • Local infrastructure investment and economic revitalization

  • Community Investment Fund to ensure shared, long-term prosperity

  • Support for preservation of cultural and heritage sites

Proven results

Independent laboratory testing conducted under ASTM International standards confirms:

  • Copper recovery from legacy tailings

  • 98%+ SCM output suitable for ready-mix concrete markets

  • Strength Activity Index (SAI) ≥85

    • ASTM benchmark: ≥75% strength at 20% cement replacement

    • 28% reduction in Alkali-Silica Reaction during curing, leading to more resilient concrete

These results demonstrate that Quincy’s materials are not only environmentally beneficial — they are commercially viable, performance-driven, and ready for large-scale construction use.

Turning Waste Into Sustainable Growth

Quincy Materials delivers a future in which abandoned mine sites become engines of American industry — restoring the environment, strengthening infrastructure, and creating lasting economic opportunity for local communities.

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