Welcome to our new occasional series: “What a Waste!”

Today’s spotlight: Lead Cupels – Ancient Alchemy’s Toxic Legacy

Did you know?

Cupellation, a refining process separating precious metals from base metals, dates back to the Early Bronze Age.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used this technique to refine gold and silver.

The process originated in the 4th and 3rd millennium BC and is still used today – talk about standing the test of time.

But here’s the catch: While cupels helped create treasures, they became toxic themselves.

At Tellus, we’re turning this ancient challenge into a modern solution. Our Sandy Ridge geological repository safely manages lead cupels and other hazardous wastes, protecting both us and our environment.

From ancient alchemy to cutting-edge waste management, we’re writing the next chapter in the story of human innovation.