In 2024, Ameren Missouri launched a project demonstrating the potential for advanced lead batteries to support a managed electric vehicle (EV) charging and microgrid platform. The project was made possible through collaborative efforts between industry leaders brought together by Doe Run to harness the potential of advanced lead battery technology, focused on the integration of recycling processes, technological advancements, and real-world applications.

Technology is changing how the mining industry operates, and Doe Run continues its efforts to integrate more efficient and sustainable practices into our work through the deployment of new technologies. In 2024, the company advanced new tools and systems that reduce its environmental footprint in exploration, such as investigating and developing custom machine learning tools, deploying 3D technologies, and improving visibility and accountability in managing environmental tasks. These efforts reflect Doe Run’s ongoing focus on innovation, responsible land use, and long-term resource management.

Environmental Management and Accountability

The company reflects its commitment to sustainability through the systems and standards that guide daily operations. Doe Run operates under an environmental management system that meets ISO standards and holds third-party certification, providing a strong foundation for continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

A task management platform helps track recurring environmental sampling events across multiple sites, supporting data accuracy and timely reporting. In addition, Doe Run publishes this annual sustainability report to provide transparency around its environmental performance. These efforts support our confidence in our ability to operate sustainably.

“Doe Run has made significant investments in remediation projects,” said Melissa Conaway, executive administrative assistant and multigenerational employee at Doe Run. “Our water management facilities and our status as one of the largest single-site lead battery recycling operations in the world demonstrate our commitment to improving mineral recoveries and reducing environmental impact.”

Using Seismic Technology to Reduce Surface Disturbance

Doe Run is applying seismic geophysics to its mining exploration, which gives a clearer picture of what’s underground and helps identify a broader range of minerals with greater accuracy. Use of this technology allows for low-impact exploration and supports the company’s sustainability practices.

In 2024, Doe Run began using seismic geophysics in our work, a tool that was previously primarily used in oil and gas exploration, to understand better what lies below the surface through non-invasive sound waves.  These seismic technologies allow us to locate geologic structures that are likely to host ore minerals without prior drilling data and help to create detailed images of underground rock formations, helping geologists map subsurface geology with reduced surface disturbance.

In 2024, the company expanded its seismic program to study a broader range of mineral trends with greater accuracy. These surveys allow Doe Run to identify the most promising areas for drilling, reducing the number of exploratory drill holes, and thus, surface impacts.

In 2025, we plan to follow up on these newly identified targets and see if the structures we identified are indeed what and where we thought they were, and if they contain sulfide mineralization.  In our next seismic survey, we will trial additional methods that could reduce or even eliminate any surface disturbance.

“Seismic imaging lets us see hundreds of feet below the surface before any drilling takes place. It gives us a clearer picture of what’s underground so we can plan more effectively, reduce unnecessary drilling, and avoid disturbing areas that don’t need to be touched. It supports sound science and responsible land use.”

Carrie Dayton, Doe Run director of exploration and geology

Doe Run is applying seismic technology at this scale, reflecting the company’s leadership in low-impact exploration and our continued investment in more sustainable practices.

Using Data and Machine Learning to Guide Smarter Mineral Targeting

Doe Run has built a deep knowledge base from decades of drill core samples, geophysical readings, and geochemical data. In 2024, the company began developing machine learning models that draw on this historical information to pinpoint areas with the highest potential for mineral resources.  We are continuing to refine these models in 2025.

These models analyze patterns in subsurface geology, helping geologists forecast where valuable deposits are most likely to occur. With better targeting, the team can reduce the number of exploratory drill holes, concentrate resources more effectively, and lower the surface impact of early-stage work.

Machine learning also supports faster decision-making and more accurate planning. It allows the team to test exploration scenarios digitally before moving equipment or disturbing the land, conserving time, energy, and materials.

Lead-Based Technology Supports Clean Energy

Doe Run’s expertise in lead continues to support innovation beyond mining. In 2024, the company partnered with Ameren Missouri, GS Yuasa, and Siemens to help deliver a first-of-its-kind electric vehicle (EV) charging and microgrid platform.

Located at Ameren’s St. Louis campus, the project uses stationary lead batteries to store and manage energy for Ameren’s EV fleet. These batteries rely on lead and lead oxide materials produced by Doe Run, reinforcing the company’s role in strengthening the U.S. supply chain for battery technology. Ameren will add solar panels to generate renewable energy on-site and reduce reliance on the electric grid.

The system improves how and when EVs are charged, lowers emissions, and demonstrates that lead batteries, often overlooked in favor of newer technologies, can provide safe, cost-effective, and recyclable energy storage solutions.

As demand for critical minerals grows across the U.S., Doe Run remains focused on meeting that need through innovation, strong partnerships, and a long-standing commitment to sustainable solutions.

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