Mistop®: Chilean natural technology revolutionizing acid mist control in electrowinning plants
A 100% biodegradable suppressant developed from the quillay tree is transforming electrowinning and electrorefining plants around the world, protecting people, safeguarding assets, and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional additives.
In 2008, Desert King introduced Mistop®, a groundbreaking innovation created in Chile from the extract of the native tree Quillaja saponaria, cultivated under responsible management. Developed in collaboration with leaders of the mining industry, this product has established itself as the only natural and most effective alternative to address one of the sector’s main challenges: exposure to acid mist during electrowinning and electrorefining processes.
The primary value of Mistop® lies in its ability to drastically reduce workers’ exposure to acid mist. This condition, considered one of the industry’s greatest risks, directly impacts health and occupational safety. By lowering acid concentrations in the air, Mistop® ensures safer working environments while supporting compliance with national legal limits.
Beyond its health benefits, Mistop® also helps protect mining infrastructure. Acid mist can cause equipment and facility degradation, reducing efficiency. By applying this natural technology, plants achieve greater durability, optimized operating costs, and enhanced continuity of production processes.
Mistop® is the only market alternative derived from natural quillay extracts, in contrast to fluorinated additives and their associated risks. Being 100% biodegradable, it represents a definitive break from the tradition of synthetic chemicals, setting a new standard for sustainable mining innovation.
With more than 20 years of industry experience and operations across Chile, Peru, Mexico, Australia, the United States, and Africa, Mistop® stands out as a prime example of Chilean-driven research and development. Its impact highlights the potential of applied science and national biotechnology to solve large-scale industrial challenges, contributing to a safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining future.
