MTM Critical Metals Limited (ASX: MTM) has announced a significant breakthrough in electronic waste recycling, achieving high gold recovery rates without the use of toxic acids.
The company’s proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology has demonstrated the potential to revolutionise the e-waste recycling industry, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
In initial proof-of-concept tests, MTM’s FJH technology recovered up to 70 per cent of the gold contained in low-grade e-waste samples.
This innovative process works by flash heating e-waste in a chlorine gas atmosphere, vaporising target metals like gold for efficient separation and collection via metal chlorides.
Michael Walshe, CEO of MTM, expressed enthusiasm about the technology’s potential: “FJH has proven to be an efficient and sustainable solution for recovering gold from low-grade e-waste.
“As global e-waste levels rise and the demand for greener metal production increases, particularly in the face of an acid shortage, FJH presents a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.”
The breakthrough comes at a critical time, as e-waste has become one of the fastest-growing components of solid waste globally.
With over 60 million metric tonnes produced annually and only about 20 per cent recycled, e-waste represents a significant environmental challenge and economic opportunity.
The precious and critical metals contained in this waste are valued at over US$70 billion in potential recoverable content.
Current e-waste recycling methods often involve energy-intensive smelting or chemical leaching processes, which are environmentally harmful and economically inefficient.
Many recycling operations take place in developing nations, where unregulated practices lead to severe health risks for local communities and widespread ecological damage.
MTM’s FJH technology offers several advantages over traditional methods.
It is highly scalable, energy-efficient, and eliminates the need for toxic acids or non-selective incineration.
The process also has the potential to control the recovery of toxic heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic, preventing environmental contamination commonly associated with current recycling methods.
Following the successful lab-scale results, MTM is moving forward with prototype testing and plans for a commercial-scale facility.
The company is targeting full-scale production within the next year and is in discussions with international partners to support the development and commercialisation of this groundbreaking technology.
As countries like Australia and the United States face increasing e-waste generation, MTM’s innovation offers a promising solution to process e-waste domestically, reducing the harmful environmental impact of offshoring while creating economic opportunities.
With its FJH technology, MTM Critical Metals Limited is poised to address a pressing global environmental issue while tapping into a significant market opportunity.
The company’s approach not only aims to unlock substantial economic value but also promises to deliver lasting benefits for shareholders, the industry, and the environment.
