With our comprehensive metallurgical expertise, we can recover metals from pre-processed e-scrap. The Metso approach combines technologies such as smelting and gas handling to produce cathode copper through electrorefining or electrowinning, while also handling toxic gases and effluents to minimize the environmental impact.
Metso offers cutting-edge solutions for e-scrap recycling
Metso's Outotec® e-scrap solutions comply with the strictest environmental regulations and can be supported with pilot testing, process guarantees and advisory services. These solutions are designed to optimize the operational and economic performance of the plant operations.
Extracting metals from e-scrap is a very complex process, requiring years of extensive research and testing, which started at Metso back in the 80s. At Metso’s Research Center in Pori, Finland, various customer materials can be analyzed and piloted before the industrial scale-up. This approach is efficient in demonstrating the process in practice and giving the client confidence on operational stability and expected recoveries.
Metso offers flexible solutions for treating e-scrap. For example, Metso’s Outotec® Kaldo L Furnace has been used in the precious metals, copper, and lead processing industries for decades, and it represents the best available TBRC technology,” explains Lauri Pesonen - Director, Smelting Sales.
Pioneering e-scrap recycling in India
Global interest in e-scrap processing solutions is on the rise. Metso recently announced an order from Hindalco for India’s first large-scale e-waste recycling facility in Pakhajan, which will produce 50kt of low-carbon copper annually. In addition, Metso will deliver a precious metals refinery plant that will be associated with the new e-waste recycling plant.
The delivery of the two plants include, for example, Kaldo™ furnaces, an anode furnace, an anode casting shop, silver refining equipment, gas cleaning, and supporting equipment.
“We are excited and honored to have been trusted with these orders. Hindalco is the world’s second largest copper rod player and India’s largest copper manufacturer. The Metso Plus solutions to be delivered to Hindalco are energy-efficient and allow for high l recovery of copper, gold, silver and other metals”, explains Jyrki Makkonen - Vice President, Smelting.
Moreover, Metso is currently collaborating with several other customers on electronic waste recycling solutions in the testing, piloting, basic engineering and delivery phases.
This article is part of our Smelting Newsletter 2024. Visit the issue front page for all articles and greetings from Jyrki Makkonen - VP, Smelting.