Volts How to reduce the impact of mining
Jun 4, 2025
In this discussion, Johanna Wolfson, co-founder of Azolla Ventures, shares her insights on tackling the environmental challenges posed by mining for the clean energy transition. She highlights innovative technologies like electrochemistry that refine copper with less pollution. The conversation dives into the importance of sustainable mining practices, especially regarding critical materials like lithium. Wolfson also emphasizes the need for impactful investment strategies, bridging philanthropy with venture capital to support groundbreaking solutions in the industry.
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Clean Energy Mining Paradox
- Clean energy technologies require more mining of certain materials but vastly less overall Earth disruption than fossil fuels.
- Clean energy machines require materials extraction only once, unlike continuous fuel extraction for fossil machines.
Philanthropic VC Model
- Azolla Ventures uses philanthropic capital to invest in high-risk climate tech with impact-first focus.
- This model supports science and engineering innovations often too risky for traditional VC funds.
Mining Meets Venture Capital
- Mining is traditionally slow, conservative, and challenging for VC investment.
- Yet, due to demand for critical materials, mining is becoming a more reliable and attractive investment in climate tech.