How Will BPH Global Unlock Gold and Silver from Seaweed?
BPH Global has refined its Project 6-7 R&D program to concentrate on recovering gold and silver from seaweed, aiming to fast-track commercialisation of this innovative bio-mining approach.
- Updated 2026–2027 R&D program prioritises gold and silver extraction
- Seaweed samples to be harvested near Malaysian mining sites for assay
- Research includes advanced extraction methods like pyrolytic processing
- Focus driven by prior assays showing significant precious metal accumulation
- Potential applications extend to advanced materials and pharmaceuticals
Strategic Shift in R&D Focus
BPH Global Ltd (ASX, BP8) has announced a significant refinement to its ongoing research and development efforts under Project 6-7, now concentrating exclusively on the extraction of gold and silver from seaweed biomass. This pivot follows a comprehensive internal and external review involving technical experts and industry veterans, including Gaia Mariculture and senior mining executives.
Since late 2024, BPH Global has been exploring the bioaccumulation potential of seaweed, particularly Sesuvium portulacastrum, across a broad spectrum of precious metals and rare earth elements. While initial assays confirmed the seaweed’s ability to accumulate multiple metals, the company has determined that focusing on gold and silver offers the most promising path towards commercial viability.
Why Gold and Silver?
The decision to prioritise gold and silver extraction is informed by previous assay results from seaweed harvested in the Johor Strait, Malaysia, which revealed significant concentrations of these precious metals. Gold and silver are not only high-value commodities with established global markets but also have emerging applications in advanced materials and pharmaceuticals, particularly in their micro- and nano-particle forms.
These nanoscale particles are increasingly sought after for uses in nanomedicine, targeted drug delivery, antimicrobial treatments, and diagnostic technologies. This dual commercial appeal enhances the attractiveness of developing scalable, environmentally responsible bio-based recovery processes.
The 2026–2027 R&D Program Structure
The updated program will run two parallel streams, ongoing seaweed harvesting and assay activities, and extraction and processing research. Seaweed will be collected from polluted waters known for mineral richness, including the Johor Strait and other Malaysian waterways impacted by industrial and mining activities. The company is also exploring potential expansion into Indonesian waters, subject to regulatory approvals.
Assays will be conducted using advanced analytical techniques such as ICP-MS to quantify precious metal content accurately. Concurrently, BPH Global will continue in-house and collaborative research with academic institutions to refine extraction methods, including pyrolytic processing and alternative chemical and thermal techniques, aiming to improve recovery efficiency and economic feasibility.
Looking Ahead
Chairman Paul Stephenson emphasised the importance of this strategic evolution, highlighting that focusing on gold and silver extraction allows the company to concentrate resources on the most commercially and technically promising opportunities. The next phase, involving seaweed harvesting near a southern Malaysian mining site, is set to commence imminently, with assay results expected to provide critical validation of the approach.
BPH Global’s refined strategy positions it at the intersection of environmental innovation and precious metals recovery, potentially unlocking new revenue streams while advancing sustainable mining practices.
Bottom Line?
BPH Global’s focused pursuit of gold and silver recovery from seaweed could redefine bio-mining’s commercial landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- How economically viable will the gold and silver extraction processes prove at scale?
- What regulatory hurdles might arise from expanding seaweed harvesting into Indonesian waters?
- Can the company leverage the biomedical applications of nano-scale precious metals to diversify revenue?
