MTM Critical Metals Limited (ASX: MTM) has announced a significant advancement in its e-waste recycling capabilities using Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.
The company has successfully recovered tin and palladium from printed circuit boards (PCBs), expanding its portfolio of extractable metals from electronic waste.
Building on previous successes with gold, silver, and copper extraction, MTM has now demonstrated the ability to recover approximately 86 per cent of tin and 82 per cent of palladium content from PCBs.
This achievement was accomplished without the use of toxic acids, highlighting the environmentally friendly nature of the FJH process.
The addition of tin and palladium to the list of recoverable metals significantly enhances the commercial potential of FJH technology.
These metals are among the most valuable components in e-waste, with PCBs containing up to 4 per cent tin and 500 g/t palladium.
Michael Walshe, CEO of MTM Critical Metals, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: “The successful recovery of tin and palladium, alongside gold, silver, and copper, highlights the significant potential of FJH as an efficient recycling solution for printed circuit boards.
“With e-waste representing a vast untapped ‘urban mine,’ our technology offers a sustainable approach without the environmental burden of traditional mining or hazardous processing.
E-waste is a rapidly growing concern, with over 60 million tonnes produced annually and only about 20 per cent currently recycled. The FJH technology offers a promising solution to this global issue, potentially tapping into a market with over US$70 billion in recoverable metal content.
The FJH process presents several advantages over conventional e-waste recycling methods:
- Eliminates the need for toxic acids used in hydrometallurgy
- Avoids the release of harmful dioxins and furans associated with pyrometallurgy
- Reduces energy consumption compared to traditional smelting techniques
- Achieves higher recovery rates for certain metals, particularly silver
MTM Critical Metals is now focusing on scaling up its technology. The company plans to:
- Continue optimising the FJH prototype reactor
- Finalise design and operational plans for a 1-tonne per day facility
- Engage in commercial discussions with potential e-waste suppliers
- Explore strategic partnerships to accelerate commercial adoption of FJH technology
As global demand for sustainable metal recovery solutions grows, MTM’s advancements in FJH technology position the company as a potential leader in the e-waste recycling industry.
The success in recovering a wider range of valuable metals could significantly impact the economics and environmental footprint of electronic waste management worldwide.