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Cuprum Metals wins Scale-Up Grand Prix at 2026 World Materials Forum

Business

Cuprum Metals wins Scale-Up Grand Prix at 2026 World Materials Forum
Business

Business

Cuprum Metals wins Scale-Up Grand Prix at 2026 World Materials Forum

2026-09-11 03:10 Last Updated At:03:25

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cuprum Metals ("Cuprum"), an industry leading copper extraction technology company, has been awarded the Grand Prix Scale-Up Award at the World Materials Forum (WMF) in Paris, France. The award, presented on September 4th, recognizes Cuprum's technology for its potential to transform copper recovery from primary and secondary sulfides and other copper-bearing sources, addressing the growing global need for more efficient, sustainable, and reliable copper production.

The World Materials Forum Grand Prix is an international competition recognizing innovative companies developing breakthrough technologies that can transform how materials are produced, processed, used, recycled, or conserved. Companies selected as nominees gain valuable exposure to senior executives, investors, industry leaders, and technical experts from across the global materials ecosystem, while also having the opportunity to present their technology directly to the WMF jury and broader forum audience.

The award recognizes the Cuprum's progress in unlocking copper from traditionally difficult to process ores, such as chalcopyrite, which has proven to be a technical constraint that has limited global supply.

Accepting the award, founder and CEO Roger Pettman said, "I am delighted to accept this award and deeply appreciate the recognition and support from the World Materials Forum. This is an extremely special accomplishment for Cuprum Metals and our technology, particularly given the highly accomplished and visionary entrepreneurs who were part of this competition. The Grand Prix is an incredible recognition of the work our team is doing to address one of the most important challenges facing the global economy: securing a more sustainable and reliable supply of copper. We're incredibly proud to have our technology recognized alongside some of the most innovative companies in the materials sector, and we're excited to use this opportunity to accelerate our mission and scale our solution in the market."

With the continued support of its existing investors, including Lundin Family Office, BHP Ventures, and Woodline Partners, Cuprum Metals is advancing its technology toward full-scale commercial deployment. The company is focused on implementing the technology across two high-impact applications: improving copper recovery through heap leaching of copper ores and converting copper slag, a significant mining and metallurgical waste stream, into valuable copper metal. Together, these applications have the potential to unlock additional copper resources, improve recovery from existing operations, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient global copper supply chain. Cuprum is now focused on scaling its technology, progressing commercial applications, and working with industry partners to move from successful technology development toward broad market adoption.

About Cuprum Metals

Cuprum Metals is a technology company focused on transforming the way copper is recovered and produced, with the goal of enabling a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient global copper supply chain. The company has developed innovative technology designed to improve copper recovery from ores through heap leaching while also creating a pathway to convert copper slag and other metallurgical waste streams into valuable copper metal.

Cuprum's technology has the potential to unlock traditionally difficult copper resources, improve the economics and efficiency of existing operations, and recover value from materials that are traditionally treated as waste. By addressing both primary copper recovery and the conversion of secondary waste into copper, Cuprum is developing solutions aimed at increasing the availability of this critical metal while reducing the environmental footprint associated with its production.

Backed by leading investors, including Lundin Family Office, BHP Ventures, and Woodline Partners, Cuprum is advancing its technology toward full commercialization and working with industry partners to implement its technology at scale. The company's mission is to help meet growing global demand for copper by developing practical technologies that enable more copper to be recovered from existing resources and waste, using materials more efficiently and sustainably.

Media Contact

Roger Pettman, Chairman and CEO, E-Mail: roger.pettman@cuprummetals.com

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Cuprum Metals wins Scale-Up Grand Prix at 2026 World Materials Forum

Cuprum Metals wins Scale-Up Grand Prix at 2026 World Materials Forum

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife has appointed Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, effective January 1, 2027, reporting to Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, and joining Manulife's Executive Leadership Team.

Chapman will lead Manulife's Global Marketing organization, with responsibility for the company's brand, marketing and enterprise customer experience strategies.

"Sarah is a proven global leader with deep knowledge of our business, customers and enterprise strategy," said Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife. "Her appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline and is the result of thoughtful succession planning. I'm confident her strategic perspective, creativity and strong track record of leading transformation will help us build on our momentum, deepen our customer focus and advance Manulife's ambition to be the number one choice for customers."

Chapman currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Canada and leads the company's global Digital, Customer Centricity and Sustainability agendas. She previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. Her leadership experience spans marketing strategy, brand, digital, analytics, customer experience and sustainability.

"I'm honoured to take on this role and am excited to help make lives better for more than 37 million customers around the world," said Chapman. "Manulife has an exceptional Global Marketing team, a trusted brand, and a clear commitment to innovation. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and working with colleagues across the company to deliver meaningful experiences and impact for our customers."

Chapman succeeds Karen Leggett, who will retire from Manulife at the end of this year, providing for a smooth leadership transition.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we serve individuals, institutions and retirement-plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 39,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 36 million customers. We trade as MFC on the Toronto, New York and Philippine stock exchanges and under 945 on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Media Contact
Brittany Straughn
Global Chief Communications Officer
Brittany_Straughn@jhancock.com
978-621-9116

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Manulife appoints Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, joining Executive Leadership Team

Manulife appoints Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, joining Executive Leadership Team

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