Metallium and Glencore e-waste recycling partnership targets critical metals

Metallium

The Metallium and Glencore e-waste recycling partnership signals a strategic shift in critical metals sourcing. Under the deal, Glencore will become a major supplier of e-waste feedstock to Metallium. The Texas facility is scheduled to start commercial operations in 2026, processing complex electronic scrap streams. This early alignment anchors volumes ahead of construction and underpins the Metallium and Glencore e-waste recycling partnership.

Flash joule heating and feedstock security

Metallium will use flash joule heating technology to recover metals from synthesized LED manufacturing scrap and other residues. The process rapidly heats feedstock in a controlled chlorine atmosphere, liberating valuable elements into saleable chlorides and hydroxides. Metallium reports successful recovery of gallium, antimony, indium and other critical metals using this proprietary route. Meanwhile, the Metallium and Glencore e-waste recycling partnership secures diverse feedstock streams and technical support for incoming materials. Glencore will offtake up to 75 percent of most output, excluding certain high-value metals and rare earths.

Implications for critical metals and recycling markets

The Metallium and Glencore e-waste recycling partnership aims to de-risk project financing and market access ahead of plant start-up. By locking in a major offtaker, Metallium can focus on scaling technology and optimising recoveries of premium metals. Excluding gallium, germanium, indium and rare earth elements from the Glencore contract preserves upside for direct marketing. In parallel, Metallium has signed feedstock and collaboration agreements with Ucore, expanding its North American ecosystem. The agreement currently runs to year-end, with an option to extend or renegotiate as volumes grow.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This partnership highlights how trading houses are pivoting into e-waste to secure future critical metals exposure. For recyclers, combining proprietary processing like flash joule heating with strategic offtake is becoming a de-risking blueprint. Investors should watch how quickly Metallium proves commercial yields, as that will shape future e-waste project valuations.