Tech firm secures $4M to expand Vancouver PGM facility

pH7 Technologies is expanding its Vancouver metals processing facility to increase recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs), supported by up to $4 million in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The Vancouver-based critical metals processing company will use the funding to advance its proprietary metallurgical processing technologies and accelerate development of organo-electrochemical processes for recovering platinum, palladium, and rhodium from secondary materials.

These platinum group metals serve as critical components in hydrogen production, fuel cells, emissions control systems, and advanced electronics - sectors experiencing growing demand as industries expand electrification infrastructure and hydrogen technologies.

Addressing supply chain challenges

Current PGM supply chains remain geographically concentrated and rely heavily on energy-intensive production methods. pH7's expansion aims to increase domestic processing capacity while reducing environmental impacts through its proprietary technology designed to recover valuable metals from complex material streams while eliminating wastewater and significantly reducing carbon footprint and energy consumption. The initiative aligns with Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy, which prioritizes developing domestic processing capacity to strengthen secure and sustainable supply chains.

Technology and operations

The research and development project will support engineering, process optimization, and plant development activities at pH7's Vancouver facility, enhancing the company's ability to recover high-value metals from complex materials while improving resource efficiency and environmental performance.

"Critical metals like platinum and palladium are essential to modern industry, yet their supply chains remain concentrated and environmentally intensive," Mohammad Doostmohammadi, CEO of pH7 Technologies. said. "Our technology allows us to recover and process these metals locally while eliminating wastewater and dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of production."

Government support

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the strategic importance: "Investing in pH7 Technologies through NRC IRAP will help Canada capitalize on rising global demand for critical minerals, add value and jobs here at home, and reinforce our global leadership in responsible mineral development."

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson noted the project demonstrates "how Canadian ingenuity is delivering cleaner, more efficient ways to recover the metals essential to batteries and other technologies."

More information is posted at www.Ph7Technologies.com