Aurubis Richmond metals recycling plant boosts US strategic metals supply

Aurubis Richmond metals

The Aurubis Richmond metals recycling plant is ramping up operations in Georgia, strengthening US access to strategic metals. The Aurubis Richmond metals recycling plant will recover copper, nickel, tin and precious metals from complex scrap streams. As a result, the Aurubis Richmond metals recycling plant is becoming an important pillar for US data centres, energy infrastructure and defence supply chains.

Expansion of high-value metals recycling capacity in the US

Aurubis is investing around $800mn in the Richmond facility to process up to 180,000 t/yr of recycled material. The plant will treat printed circuit boards, copper cable and other complex scrap that traditionally flowed to overseas processors. Therefore, the site supports onshore refining of metal units that are essential for electronics and power systems. The company has also signalled an “expansion stage” from 2026, which should further increase throughput and product range. This expansion aligns with rising demand for low-carbon, circular metal supply in North America.

Supporting strategic metals demand from energy and tech

Aurubis expects the Georgia facility to help meet growing US demand for “strategic metals” across several high-growth sectors. Data centres require reliable copper, nickel and precious metal supply for servers, networking and cooling systems. Meanwhile, energy infrastructure and grid upgrades depend on copper-intensive equipment such as transformers and high-voltage cables. Defence and advanced technology applications also need secure access to high-purity metals with traceable provenance. By turning scrap into refined metal, Aurubis reduces import dependence while lowering the environmental footprint of these critical value chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aurubis’ move in Georgia confirms that advanced metals recycling is now strategic infrastructure, not just a waste-management activity. The key question is how fast similar facilities can scale to keep pace with US electrification and data-centre growth. For miners and refiners alike, the circular economy is no longer optional; it is becoming a core competitive advantage.

Aqua Metals nickel carbonate supply deal strengthens US battery metals recycling

Aqua Metals

Aqua Metals nickel carbonate supply agreement with Westwin Elements marks a key step for US battery metals recycling. The US recycler will provide 500-1,000 t/yr of recycled nickel carbonate to Westwin under a long-term pathway. The Aqua Metals nickel carbonate supply deal is expected to be worth about $12mn/yr at today’s nickel prices. Both partners will depend on new commercial plants scheduled to come online before deliveries begin in 2027.

Nickel carbonate offtake anchors new US refining capacity

The agreement gives Westwin an early anchor for battery-grade feedstock from domestic recycling rather than primary mining. Aqua Metals nickel carbonate supply will support Westwin’s planned nickel refining operations, which aim to produce high-purity material for battery and specialty alloy markets. As a result, the deal helps de-risk Westwin’s project pipeline by pre-qualifying a secure source of recycled nickel.

Aqua Metals has already passed Westwin’s production testing and qualification process for battery-grade nickel carbonate. This performance validation is critical because cathode and precursor producers maintain strict impurity thresholds. Therefore, the Aqua Metals nickel carbonate supply arrangement signals technical confidence in the company’s hydrometallurgical recycling flowsheet.

Recycling gains ground in critical minerals strategy

The partnership reflects a broader shift toward closed-loop battery metals supply chains in North America. Policymakers increasingly view recycled nickel as a strategic complement to mined supply, especially for EV and stationary storage markets. Meanwhile, investors favor projects that combine ESG benefits with exposure to high-value nickel chemicals.

By locking in an offtake pathway ahead of full-scale commissioning, both firms position themselves for an expected demand upturn toward 2027. If execution stays on track, the collaboration could become a reference model for similar nickel, cobalt and lithium recycling deals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This agreement underscores how offtake-linked recycling hubs are becoming central to North America’s battery raw materials strategy. The commercial validation of Aqua Metals’ nickel carbonate also highlights the maturing economics of hydrometallurgical recycling versus imported intermediates. Market participants should watch how quickly the partners convert this non-binding framework into bankable, long-term contracts.

Metallium Indium Offtake Deal Strengthens US Critical Metals Recycling Chain

Metallium

Metallium Indium offtake deal plans will strengthen the US recycling route for critical metals used in advanced electronics, semiconductors and thin-film manufacturing. Australian metals recovery firm Metallium has signed a binding 10-year offtake agreement with US-based metals refiner and manufacturer Indium.

The Metallium Indium offtake deal covers several recovered metals, including gallium, germanium, copper, tin, indium and gold. Pricing will be formula-based, while final quantities have not yet been disclosed.

The Metallium Indium offtake deal gives Metallium a long-term commercial outlet for metals recovered from its US recycling operations. It also gives Indium access to secondary supply for materials used in solders, fluxes, thermal interface materials, sputtering targets and semiconductor-related products.

Texas Recycling Facility Targets High-Value Electronic Scrap

Metallium expects to recover metals at its recently commissioned Texas facility using flash joule heating technology. The process rapidly heats scrap mixtures in a controlled chlorine atmosphere to recover metals from synthesized LED manufacturing scrap.

The plant was first commissioned in December, with initial recovery focused on copper, tin, gold and silver from printed circuit board feedstock. Metallium later plans to establish gallium and germanium processing lines, which would move the facility deeper into critical minor metals recovery.

This matters because gallium and germanium are strategically important for semiconductors, optoelectronics, infrared systems, LEDs, solar technologies and defense-related applications. Recycling can help reduce exposure to concentrated primary supply and export-control risks.

Indium Agreement Links Recycling to Advanced Manufacturing Demand

Indium’s role gives the agreement direct industrial relevance. The company supplies materials into advanced electronics, semiconductor and thin-film markets, where high-purity and reliable metal supply are essential.

The companies are also discussing feedstock supply separately, which could deepen the partnership beyond offtake. If feedstock and product flows are aligned, the arrangement could support a more integrated recycling-to-refining model.

Metallium’s recent A$75mn capital raise from US institutional investors and earlier US Defense Logistics Agency support add strategic weight to the Texas facility. The funding shows that US critical minerals recycling is becoming a defense, technology and industrial policy priority.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Metallium-Indium agreement shows that critical mineral security is moving into electronic scrap and advanced recycling. The key opportunity is not only recovering copper and precious metals, but building domestic capacity for gallium, germanium and indium supply chains.

Closed-Loop Recycling to Slash PGM Demand by 40% in 2024, Industry Report Finds

Johnson Matthey

PGM Recycling Revolutionizes Metal Demand with Close to 60% of Platinum Group Metals Being Recycled

In 2024, platinum group metals (PGMs) demand will see a significant reduction of nearly 40% due to the rise in closed-loop recycling, according to a report from UK-based chemicals company Johnson Matthey. With over 60% of PGMs used in new products now coming from recycled metal, the shift towards circularity in the PGM industry is transforming how metals are sourced and used.

Understanding Closed-Loop vs. Open-Loop Recycling

Recycling PGMs is categorized into two pathways: open-loop and closed-loop. Open-loop recycling occurs mainly in consumer markets, where metal ownership is passed along with the product's lifecycle, allowing the metal to be reused for different purposes. In contrast, closed-loop recycling, which dominates industries like chemicals and pharmaceuticals, involves the original buyer maintaining ownership of the metal, reusing it for the same purpose throughout its lifecycle.

This process greatly reduces the need for new PGMs, as the original purchaser reclaims and reuses the metal. In fact, Johnson Matthey's research shows that a substantial 15.7 million troy ounces (toz) of PGMs were recirculated globally in closed-loop systems last year, cutting down the net demand for primary PGMs to 35.4 million toz in 2024.

PGM Recycling Shifts the Industry Landscape

Recycled PGMs, whether through closed or open loops, now make up the majority of materials used in new and replacement products. As primary mining becomes supplementary to the increasing urban PGM mines, it’s clear that recycling is becoming the backbone of the global PGM supply chain. The well-established closed-loop system has proved to be an efficient, sustainable model for metal recycling, potentially setting a precedent for other metals in the industry.

Ryan from Johnson Matthey highlighted that the long-established network of PGM recycling has reached economies of scope and scale through decades of market-driven optimization. This model could serve as a roadmap for other sectors, where the international approach to recycling has not yet reached similar maturity.

Recycling efforts should not be confined within national borders. To ensure efficiency, scrap must be collected and recycled globally, transcending domestic limitations. Ryan advocates for a broader, global collaboration to boost recycling effectiveness and reduce dependence on newly mined metals.

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.

 

Sibanye Stillwater Metallix acquisition boosts US precious metals recycling

Sibanye Stillwater

Sibanye Stillwater Metallix acquisition boosts US precious metals recycling

Sibanye Stillwater Metallix acquisition will add scale to US recycling. The $105mn deal secures Metallix Refining’s North Carolina assets. The Sibanye Stillwater Metallix acquisition advances urban mining and awaits approvals to close in 3Q 2025. The move complements Sibanye’s US operations in Montana and Pennsylvania.

Why Metallix matters to Sibanye

Metallix operates two precious-metal facilities in Greenville, North Carolina. The plants serve customers in the US, UK, and South Korea. They recover gold, silver, and PGMs from industrial waste streams. Sources include catalytic converters, semiconductors, electroplating, and automotive scrap. The company processed 4.2mn lbs of feed in 2024. It produced 21,000oz gold and 874,000oz silver. It also produced 48,000oz palladium and 48,000oz platinum. Output included 4,000oz rhodium, 3,000oz iridium, and 263,000lb copper.

Metallix Refining

Strategic fit and expected synergies

Sibanye Stillwater Metallix acquisition strengthens sourcing and logistics. The company expects broader reach and optimized internal flows. It also deepens relationships across PGM and gold recycling. Management aims to expand urban mining with higher US capacity. The acquisition adds industrial feed that supports circular supply chains.

Sibanye will integrate Metallix with its Montana and Pennsylvania sites. As a result, the group can balance feed quality and throughput. The buyer highlighted improved material sourcing as a priority. Closing remains subject to regulatory approvals in the US. The transaction is targeted for the third quarter of 2025.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal extends Sibanye’s PGM and gold footprint into high-quality US industrial scrap. With tight primary PGM supply, diversified recycling becomes strategic insurance. Expect the combined platform to compete aggressively for catalytic and semiconductor residues.

Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal backs Texas critical metals recovery

Metallium

Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal will supply 2,400 tonnes per year of electronic waste to Metallium. Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal supports Metallium’s developing processing plant in Texas. As a result, Metallium can accelerate commissioning and prove commercial recovery at scale.

Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal builds on an in-principle arrangement reached in October 2025. Under the updated binding agreement signed on 5 January, Glencore becomes a core feedstock supplier. Meanwhile, Glencore also positions itself as a potential offtaker for recovered metals. This structure reduces early-stage market risk for a new recycler.

Why stable e-waste feedstock matters for copper and PGM recovery

Feedstock reliability is the first bottleneck in e-waste recycling economics. A steady 2,400 t/yr stream allows Metallium to stabilize plant utilization and metallurgical yields. Therefore, it can optimize recovery of copper and palladium from complex scrap mixes.

E-waste carries high-value metals but comes with processing variability. However, a long-term supplier can improve material consistency through sorting and specification discipline. As a result, recyclers can lower unit costs and raise payable metal recovery.

What the partnership signals for US circular supply chains

This deal reflects a broader shift toward domestic critical metals recovery in the US. Metallium is also pursuing non-exclusive partnerships, which reduces single-counterparty dependency. Meanwhile, its collaboration with ElementUSA on red mud adds a second feedstock pathway. That diversification can improve project bankability.

Metallium’s Texas plant is expected to open this year, creating a near-term test of execution. Therefore, the market will watch offtake terms for recovered metals and ramp-up performance. A clear offtake structure would help move from pilot credibility to repeatable industrial throughput.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This agreement highlights how feedstock security now rivals ore security in metals strategy. However, recycling winners will be those who lock both inputs and offtake early. If Metallium executes, Texas could become a meaningful node in US circular copper and PGM supply.

GEM Expands Critical Mineral Recycling to Strengthen China’s Supply Chain Independence

GEM

High-Purity Germanium and Tungsten Recycling to Double by 2027

Chinese battery materials producer GEM is expanding its critical mineral recycling capacity to support China’s supply chain independence. In its 2024 annual report, GEM announced significant investments in germanium recycling and high-purity refining, driven by Beijing’s resource localization strategy. The company aims to rapidly scale its recycling of gallium, indium, and scandium, all of which are subject to China’s recent export restrictions.

Strategic Metals and Battery Materials Drive Growth

GEM will also broaden recycling operations for minor metals such as molybdenum, tantalum, and niobium. These materials are essential for defense and electronics manufacturing. The company currently recycles over 20 metals from waste batteries, electronics, vehicles, and plastics across its eight Chinese plants and international sites in South Korea, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Doubling Output of Tungsten and Platinum Group Metals

To support industrial demand, GEM plans to double its output of tungsten powder and electronic metals to 20 tonnes by 2027. Tungsten’s high conductivity and melting point make it ideal for semiconductors and photovoltaic thin-film cells. In addition, GEM will build a demonstration plant for platinum, palladium, and rhodium refining, targeting similar output growth by 2027.

Core Battery Material Output Set for 46% Growth in 2025

The company expects a strong rise in core product output—nickel, ternary precursors, cobalt, cathode materials, and recycled batteries—with a projected 46% increase in 2025. From 2025 to 2027, the annual growth rate is forecast to moderate to 36%, still reflecting robust demand for EV and energy storage materials.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GEM’s expansion underscores China’s push for mineral sovereignty in a geopolitically constrained environment. By scaling critical mineral recycling, GEM reduces import dependence while reinforcing its leadership in the global circular economy for strategic metals.

Closed-Loop Recycling Slashes PGM Demand by 40% in 2024

Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey Highlights a Game-Changing Shift in the Platinum Group Metals Industry

Global demand for new platinum group metals (PGMs) dropped sharply in 2024 due to a surge in closed-loop recycling. According to a white paper released by UK-based Johnson Matthey, nearly 60% of PGMs used in new production now come from recycled sources.

Closed-loop recycling plays a critical role in this reduction. In this model, the original buyer retains ownership of the metal, recycles it after product use, and reuses it for the same application. This contrasts with open-loop systems, where the metal changes hands and often shifts purpose across industries. Because closed-loop PGMs never re-enter the broader market, they are not counted as secondary supply — yet they substantially reduce the need for newly mined metal.

In 2024, an estimated 15.7 million troy ounces of PGMs circulated through closed-loop systems globally. This recycling process slashed net demand for new PGMs by nearly 40%, reducing it to just 35.4 million troy ounces. As a result, recycled materials from both open- and closed-loop sources now dominate the PGM supply chain. Primary mining serves as a supplement rather than the main source.

Urban mining is now central to the industry’s survival. Without it, the sustainability of PGM production would falter. Johnson Matthey’s Advocacy Manager for PGMs, Marge Ryan, emphasized that the industry’s closed-loop model could serve as a blueprint for broader metals recycling initiatives.

Despite its success, this global recycling network is not yet mirrored across other metal sectors. Many nations still focus heavily on domestic circularity efforts. Ryan argues for a broader, cross-border system. “Scrap collection and recycling don’t need to be confined by national borders,” she said. A coordinated global framework could unlock similar benefits for aluminum, copper, rare earths, and more.

The evolution of the PGM recycling ecosystem underscores a pivotal shift — not just in metals demand, but in how the world approaches sustainability, material ownership, and industrial efficiency.

BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry signals Asia’s circular shift

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

The BIR(Bureau of International Recycling) Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry gathered global stakeholders across the value chain. The forum covered ferrous, non-ferrous, and specialty metals in depth. The BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry highlighted circular economy execution, not slogans. Therefore, participants focused on infrastructure, technology, and market standards. Meanwhile, BIR’s scale—1.5 million professionals and USD 160 billion—framed the agenda.

The BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry underscored Asia-Pacific’s accelerating demand. Hosting in Bangkok reflected trade gravity tilting toward Asian hubs. As a result, discussions centered on capacity build-out and logistics reliability. Attendees examined traceability, quality assurance, and ESG disclosure. Moreover, members emphasized data for financing and cross-border compliance.

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

Ferrous and non-ferrous flows anchor the circular backbone

Ferrous scrap now supplies over 30% of global steel output. EAF adoption increases scrap intensity and resilience. Therefore, ferrous scrap became a strategic raw material. Asia remains the largest import market for ferrous scrap. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan anchor steady tonnage. However, India’s fast-rising demand drew strong attention this year.

Non-ferrous recycling accelerates stainless steel’s circular economy. Over 70% of stainless production uses recycled feedstock today. Consequently, 300-series stainless scrap commands a nickel-driven premium. Copper, aluminum, and zinc recycling rates keep climbing. Meanwhile, EV batteries and e-waste create new metal pools. Processors target dismantling, black-mass recovery, and closed-loop contracts. As a result, service models expand beyond commodity trading.

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

Specialty metals scale: Titanium and Nickel Superalloys

Specialty metals advanced from niche to priority. Titanium scrap offsets costly primary sponge and ingot. Proper sorting enables aircraft, reactor, and implant routes. Clean grades often trade at several thousand dollars per ton. Therefore, certification and segregation matter for aerospace and medical uses.

Nickel-based superalloy scrap rose with aerospace growth. Inconel and Hastelloy streams typically exceed 50% nickel. Refiners upgrade these into new superalloy melts. Moreover, chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt increase strategic value. As a result, secure collection and refining capacity became focal. Asia is emerging as the center for scale and skills.

The Metalnomist Commentary

BIR Bangkok confirmed recycling as core supply-chain strategy. Expect capital to target high-purity sorting, verified traceability, and melt capacity. Asian hubs that certify quality fastest will capture premium flows.

Molymet Maritime House Rhenium Recycling JV Targets Aerospace Supply Growth

Molymet

The rhenium recycling JV between Molymet and Maritime House signals a strategic response to tightening aerospace material demand. The two companies signed an MoU for a planned 50:50 partnership focused on recycling rhenium-bearing materials. The JV aims to produce ammonium perrhenate, rhenium metal, pellets, and powder. As a result, the rhenium recycling JV could strengthen western supply security in a market under growing pressure.

This move matters because rhenium remains one of the most critical specialty metals in aerospace alloys. The metal is not replaceable in several nickel-based superalloys used for turbine blades. Demand from western aerospace manufacturers remains firm, while Chinese import demand for ammonium perrhenate is also supporting the market. Therefore, the rhenium recycling JV enters the market at a time of elevated strategic importance.

The structure of the plan also reflects practical execution. The partners intend to use existing facilities in Chile or Canada first. They will later assess whether a dedicated North American processing plant is commercially justified. Consequently, the rhenium recycling JV begins with flexibility while preserving a pathway to larger regional capacity.

Aerospace Rhenium Demand Is Raising the Value of Recycling

Aerospace rhenium demand is making recycling more important than ever. Engine makers continue to require high-performance superalloys for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. That keeps demand resilient even when broader industrial markets weaken. Meanwhile, rhenium prices have reached their highest levels in more than a decade.

That price environment is increasing the value of recycled feedstocks. Rhenium-bearing materials include nickel-based superalloy scrap and binary alloy scrap. These streams offer an alternative source of metal in a market where primary supply remains limited. Therefore, recycling is becoming a more strategic pillar rather than a secondary source.

Molymet and Maritime House also bring strong positioning to this effort. Molymet is the world’s largest primary rhenium producer. Maritime House is the world’s largest recycler of rhenium-containing materials. As a result, the partnership combines primary market scale with recycling expertise in a way few competitors can match.

Ammonium Perrhenate Supply Could Gain a Stronger North American Base

Ammonium perrhenate supply is one of the most important commercial outcomes of this partnership. APR is a critical intermediate product in the rhenium value chain. A more reliable recycled APR stream could support aerospace customers facing tighter procurement conditions. Consequently, the JV could improve both supply diversity and supply resilience.

The North American angle also deserves attention. The partners said they may evaluate a new regional processing facility if feed volumes exceed existing capacity. That would align with broader efforts to localize strategic material processing closer to end users. Therefore, the rhenium recycling JV could evolve from a recycling agreement into a more significant North American supply platform.

The decision to work with original equipment manufacturers also adds commercial depth. The JV plans to offer both recycling and primary supply solutions. That model could make procurement easier for aerospace customers seeking closed-loop or dual-source strategies. As a result, the partnership may gain relevance beyond simple metal conversion.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal stands out because it links recycling, primary production, and aerospace demand in one strategic framework. Rhenium remains a small-volume metal, but it carries outsized importance in high-performance superalloys. If this JV scales successfully, it could become one of the more important specialty metals partnerships in the western aerospace supply chain.

Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry to expand US metals recycling

ASC Engineered Solutions

Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry in Pennsylvania to scale metals recycling and processing. The deal includes facilities formerly owned by ASC Engineered Solutions. Through a lease-back, ASC will keep operating the site until end-2025. Meanwhile, Rytoria launched a phased integration plan with 2025 operational targets.

Scope and materials focus

The acquisition broadens Rytoria’s non-ferrous and ferrous footprint. It covers aluminum, copper, brass, and selected steel lines. As a result, the company strengthens domestic circular economy flows. It also supports US buyers seeking diversified foundry supply.

Timeline and supply chain impact

The lease-back ensures continuity while equipment and workforce plans mature. Therefore, Rytoria can phase upgrades without disrupting customer deliveries. In parallel, relocation of ASC production within Pennsylvania reduces logistics risk. For stakeholders, Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry signals stable transition and service reliability.

Rytoria targets recycling-led growth as demand for copper and aluminum rises. Meanwhile, OEMs prioritize regional sourcing to cut lead times. Consequently, Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry becomes a catalyst for US foundry consolidation. The move also aligns with industrial policy favoring resilient supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This transaction tightens a regional loop for non-ferrous scrap and cast products. Execution risk sits in integration pace and capital scheduling, but the lease-back cushions near-term disruption. If Rytoria meets its 2025 targets, margins should benefit from material yield and logistics savings.

Venture Metals Expands US Footprint with Strategic Acquisitions

Venture Metals

Acquisition of Thalheimer Bros and Mega Metals Bolsters Nonferrous Capabilities

Venture Metals has acquired Thalheimer Brothers and its subsidiary, Mega Metals. This strategic move significantly expands Venture's nonferrous recycling operations. The acquisitions add processing facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Phoenix, Arizona. These locations complement Venture's existing plants in Texas, Illinois, and South Korea. Mega Metals, specializing in titanium scrap, brings a critical new capability. 

This acquisition includes titanium 6-4 turnings, approved for aerospace reuse. Thalheimer Brothers strengthens Venture's position in stainless steel, copper, and aluminum recycling. They also handle nickel-based alloys and high-temperature metals. Rich Reiner will continue as CEO of both Thalheimer and Mega. Venture Metals aims to enhance its market presence in the US.

Titanium Expertise and Market Expansion

Mega Metals' focus on titanium scrap is a key asset. They are approved to handle titanium 6-4 turnings for aerospace. This includes 6-4 bulk weldable and 6-4 feedstock. They also process "ferrous" grades for ferro-titanium production. This serves both US and European markets. This expansion signifies Venture Metals' commitment to specialized metal recycling.

Glencore Aluminum Recycling Stake Expands South Carolina Remelting Footprint

Aluminum Scrap

Glencore aluminum recycling exposure has expanded after the global commodities trading group acquired a 45% stake in a planned South Carolina aluminum facility. Alumicore will operate the plant and retain the remaining 55% interest.

The investment builds on Glencore’s earlier financial support for the recycling and remelting project. Those earlier investments were aimed at securing marketing rights for the plant’s future production.

Glencore aluminum recycling growth reflects rising interest in secondary aluminum supply in the US. Recycled aluminum can reduce energy intensity, support lower-carbon material demand, and improve feedstock optionality for manufacturers exposed to volatile primary aluminum markets.

Alumicore Platform Adds Recycling and Remelting Scale

The South Carolina site will become part of Alumicore’s wider recycling network. Glencore said the new plant, together with Alumicore’s operations in Monessen and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will lift the company’s total recycling capacity to more than 120,000 t/yr.

Few details were disclosed about the planned facility near Charleston. However, the project appears focused on recycling and remelting, which are increasingly important parts of the North American aluminum value chain.

Aluminum remelting capacity gives processors a route to convert scrap into reusable material for downstream manufacturing. This is strategically relevant as automotive, packaging, construction, electrical and industrial customers look for lower-carbon aluminum inputs.

The marketing-rights element is also important. Glencore is not only taking an equity position; it is strengthening access to future metal flows from the facility. That fits the trading house’s broader strategy of combining physical assets, offtake control and scrap supply channels.

Charleston Area Becomes a Secondary Aluminum Growth Point

The deal also deepens Glencore’s footprint in South Carolina. The company previously entered a joint venture with nonferrous scrap recycler Zeb Metals in 2023 to develop an aluminum scrap and dross recycling operation around Charleston.

That earlier project and the Alumicore investment point to a regional strategy. Charleston offers logistics advantages, industrial demand access and a potential platform for collecting, processing and marketing secondary aluminum products.

Aluminum dross and scrap recycling are becoming more valuable as producers and traders try to capture more metal units from waste streams. Better recovery can reduce reliance on primary aluminum and support circular supply for domestic manufacturers.

For Glencore, the South Carolina investment strengthens its position in a market where recycled metal is becoming more strategic. For Alumicore, Glencore’s stake adds a global marketing partner with deep metals trading and supply-chain reach.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Glencore’s investment shows that aluminum recycling is becoming a strategic materials business, not only a scrap trade. Control over remelting capacity, dross recovery and marketing rights will matter more as customers seek lower-carbon aluminum supply.

Aqua Metals to Double Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Production in Ambitious Expansion

Aqua Metals

US Battery Recycler Targets Significant Growth in Lithium Supply Amid Rising EV Demand

Aqua Metals, a leading US battery recycler, has announced plans to more than double its production of battery-grade lithium carbonate. This strategic move reflects the company's effort to meet the increasing demand for critical materials used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems.

Aqua Metals will prioritize the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, with a mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) — a solution containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese — making up the remaining portion of its output. This decision aligns with the growing importance of lithium as a key component in the global transition to electric mobility and renewable energy storage.

Expansion of Lithium Carbonate Production

Although Aqua Metals did not disclose the exact volume of the increase, the company's 2023 annual report outlined a Phase One processing capacity of 3,000 metric tonnes per year (t/yr) of lithium battery black mass, with a total processing capacity of 10,000 t/yr. This expansion will significantly contribute to the lithium supply chain, supporting the growing demand from EV manufacturers and energy storage providers.

The company is currently in discussions with feedstock suppliers and customers to ensure the success of this accelerated expansion. By securing reliable sources of materials and forming strategic partnerships, Aqua Metals aims to position itself as a key player in the growing lithium recycling market.

Positioning for the Future of Lithium Recycling

Aqua Metals’ aggressive expansion of lithium carbonate production comes at a time when the global market for lithium is under significant pressure due to the surge in demand for EVs. As part of its efforts, the company is focusing on sustainable recycling practices, utilizing innovative methods to recover lithium from used batteries.

In conclusion, Aqua Metals is positioning itself to meet the future needs of the battery industry. Its commitment to increasing production capacity and securing key partnerships demonstrates its role in advancing the circular economy for lithium and other critical metals.

Metallium Gallium Recovery Project Advances US Critical Minerals Recycling

Australian Metallium

Metallium gallium recovery project plans have moved forward after the Australian recycling firm completed the first phase of a US Department of Defense contract ahead of schedule. The company is developing a process to recover gallium from complex waste streams, including semiconductor scrap and electronic waste.

The project is strategically important because gallium is essential for semiconductors, military systems, optics and advanced electronics. Global supply remains highly concentrated, with China accounting for nearly all primary gallium production.

Metallium gallium recovery project development comes as China’s export controls have intensified competition for non-China supply. Higher prices and stronger defense-related demand are making recovery technologies more commercially relevant.

Flash Joule Heating Targets Low-Concentration Gallium Streams

Metallium is using its proprietary Flash Joule Heating process to recover trace gallium from steel, alloy scrap, semiconductor scrap and electronic waste. The company also aims to recover germanium and other critical minerals in later phases.

End-of-life gallium recycling remains difficult because the metal is present in very small quantities once used in finished products. This makes recovery technically challenging and usually uneconomic unless prices, feedstock access and process efficiency improve together.

Metallium can now apply for Phase II funding of up to $1mn to advance pilot-scale operations. The company expects to start full commercial operations at its Texas facility this year.

Feedstock Deals Strengthen US Recycling Scale-Up

Metallium gallium recovery project scaling is supported by both government funding and private capital. The company raised $55mn from investors in June to accelerate commercial development.

Glencore will supply 2,400 t/yr of electronic waste, becoming Metallium’s major feedstock supplier and offtake partner. This agreement gives the Texas facility a clearer route to steady input material, which is critical for recycling economics.

Metallium also signed a deal last week to supply US-based metals refiner and manufacturer Indium with several recovered metals from its US recycling operations. Together, these agreements help connect scrap collection, recovery technology and downstream advanced materials demand.

Gallium prices have risen by 175% year on year and remain supported by firm demand and limited ex-China availability. That price environment improves the case for niche recycling projects, especially where defense and semiconductor supply security are involved.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Metallium’s project shows that critical mineral security will increasingly depend on recovering trace metals from complex waste streams. Gallium recycling will not replace primary supply quickly, but it can become a strategic buffer for defense, semiconductor and optics supply chains.

Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Gains Momentum as Japanese Firms Target Air Conditioner Compressors

Daikin

Rare earth magnet recycling is moving into Japan’s commercial air conditioning sector as Daikin Industries, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Hitachi and Tokyo Eco Recycle prepare a joint recovery initiative. The project will recover rare earth magnets from compressors used in commercial air conditioners and return the material to new magnet production.

The companies plan to develop automated recovery equipment in 2026 and start full-scale operations in 2027. Daikin aims to collect around 10,000 compressors a year and eventually recycle several tonnes of rare earth magnets annually.

Rare earth magnet recycling is strategically important because compressors use internal motors that contain neodymium-based magnets. These magnets are essential for high-efficiency air conditioners, electric vehicles, industrial motors and other electrified systems.

The initiative also addresses a gap in Japan’s recycling infrastructure. Daikin said there is currently no established framework in Japan for recovering rare earth magnets from commercial air conditioner compressors.

Compressor Motors Offer a New Urban Mine

Commercial air conditioner compressors are a practical target for rare earth magnet recycling because they are large, identifiable and collected through equipment replacement channels. This makes them easier to trace than many small electronic products.

Daikin will collect used compressors under the scheme. Tokyo Eco Recycle, working with Hitachi, will extract the rare earth magnets from the units. Shin-Etsu Chemical will then use the recovered magnets as raw material for new rare earth magnet production.

This structure creates a closed-loop model. It connects product collection, disassembly, magnet recovery and remanufacturing inside one coordinated supply chain.

The industrial meaning is significant. Japan is trying to recover strategic materials from domestic end-of-life equipment rather than relying only on imported rare earths. This can reduce exposure to supply disruptions and improve material security for manufacturers.

Neodymium magnets are particularly important because they support compact, high-efficiency motors. Air conditioner makers need these motors to reduce energy consumption, while EV and industrial motor producers need them for power density and performance.

The project could also become a model for other equipment categories. If companies can recover magnets efficiently from compressors, similar approaches may be applied to motors, pumps, factory equipment and vehicle components.

Automation and Policy Support Strengthen Japan’s Recycling Model

The companies plan to improve recovery efficiency through automation. AI-based image recognition and robotics will help optimise disassembly processes for different compressor models.

This is important because recycling rare earth magnets is not only a materials issue. It is also a dismantling and sorting problem. Magnet recovery becomes difficult when product designs, motor structures and fastening systems vary across models.

A centralised data system will manage the full process from collection to remanufacturing. This should improve traceability, recovery planning and quality control across the recycling chain.

The policy backdrop is also supportive. Japan’s environment ministry has allocated about ¥37.9bn, or $238mn, in its fiscal 2026 budget to promote recycling of metal resources, including rare metals and rare earths.

This shows that Japan views critical minerals recycling as both an environmental and economic security priority. Recycling reduces waste, but it also lowers dependence on concentrated foreign supply chains.

China still dominates much of the global rare earth supply chain, from mining and separation to metal conversion and magnet production. For Japan, domestic recycling can provide a supplementary source of magnet raw materials and reduce supply risk for strategic industries.

However, the scale will be modest at first. Recycling several tonnes of magnets annually will not replace primary supply. But it can create a repeatable industrial system that grows as collection networks, automation and remanufacturing improve.

The bigger value lies in building capability. Japan is connecting equipment makers, recyclers and magnet producers before supply stress becomes more severe.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Rare earth magnet recycling from compressors shows how industrial equipment can become a strategic materials source. Japan’s advantage will come from turning product traceability, automation and chemical expertise into a scalable recycling loop before rare earth supply risks intensify.

Yunnan Germanium Recycling Project Targets Feedstock Security for Strategic Metal Supply

Germanium Scrap

Yunnan Germanium recycling project plans will strengthen China’s largest germanium producer’s control over feedstock as demand from downstream high-end manufacturing remains strategically important. The company plans to invest 200.66mn yuan in a fully automated facility to process germanium-bearing waste slag.

The Yunnan Germanium recycling project will have capacity to process 150,000 t/yr of germanium-bearing waste slag. The company has not disclosed the construction timetable or launch date.

The Yunnan Germanium recycling project is designed to improve germanium resource utilisation and support raw material supply for downstream deep-processing products. This matters because germanium is a strategic minor metal used in defence, infrared optics, fibre optics, semiconductors and high-performance electronics.

The project also reflects a broader industry shift. Producers of critical and minor metals are increasingly trying to secure secondary feedstock as primary supply becomes more politically controlled and price volatility rises.

Recycling Capacity Reduces Dependence on External Raw Materials

Yunnan Germanium said partial reliance on externally sourced raw materials exposes it to germanium price volatility. Prices are influenced by global supply-demand conditions and demand from high-end manufacturing sectors.

The new recycling line should help reduce that exposure. By processing waste slag, the company can recover more germanium units from secondary material and support its downstream production chain.

This is strategically important because Yunnan Germanium already consumes significant germanium internally. In 2025, the company produced 29.7t of raw-material-grade germanium metal equivalent for external sales, excluding 68.95t used for internal consumption and third-party processing.

That internal use shows how the company is moving more material into higher-value products rather than selling all output into the merchant market. Recycling can strengthen that model by expanding available feedstock.

Yunnan Germanium also plans to diversify external suppliers of germanium-bearing waste slag. It will seek medium- to long-term supply agreements with quality provisions and emergency replenishment clauses.

The company also plans to build a raw material inventory reserve and a price-alert mechanism. It will adjust production and inventory strategies when germanium prices move by more than 10%.

These measures show a more disciplined approach to minor-metal procurement. In markets such as germanium, small disruptions can produce large price movements because supply is concentrated and liquidity is limited.

Export Controls Increase Strategic Value of Germanium Recovery

Germanium has become more strategically sensitive since China placed the metal under strict dual-use export controls in September 2023. China accounts for an estimated 60-70% of global germanium capacity.

This gives Chinese producers significant influence over global availability. It also makes domestic resource recovery more valuable, especially when export controls, defence demand and semiconductor-related applications increase policy attention.

Yunnan Germanium’s revenue rose to 1.07bn yuan in 2025 from 767mn yuan in 2024. Higher prices for key products, including raw-material-grade germanium, supported the increase despite lower external raw metal output.

The company’s recycling investment therefore supports both security and profitability. More stable feedstock access can improve operating flexibility when prices rise or external raw material supply tightens.

For downstream customers, the project may improve Yunnan Germanium’s ability to supply deeper-processed products. These include materials linked to optics, fibre communication, photovoltaics, infrared systems and compound semiconductors.

The broader market implication is clear. Germanium supply security will depend not only on mine output or primary production, but also on recycling, waste recovery, inventory control and long-term feedstock agreements.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Yunnan Germanium’s recycling plan shows that strategic minor metals are moving toward closed-loop resource control. In germanium, the advantage will belong to producers that can combine primary supply, secondary recovery and downstream processing under one feedstock strategy.

SUPER METAL PRICE Launches 'The Metals Grade Atlas' eBook: A Definitive Handbook for the Specialty Metals Industry

eBook: 'The Metals Grade Atlas'

An 815-page authoritative guide to titanium, nickel, and iron alloys sets a new global standard in advanced materials selection.

SUPER METAL PRICE, a global intelligence platform specializing in metals markets, has officially released The Metals Grade Atlas, a comprehensive digital reference for high-performance specialty metals used in modern industries.

A Complete Guidebook for Extreme Industrial Conditions in the 21st Century

This 815-page volume presents a systematic overview of materials engineered to withstand extreme environments, including aerospace, power generation, chemical processing, medical devices, and offshore platforms.

The Metals Grade Atlas provides essential data for materials capable of enduring ultra-high temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stress—such as jet turbine blades operating above 1000°C, or gas turbines in power plants that function under thermal extremes exceeding 1200°C.

Covering the Full Spectrum of Titanium, Nickel, and Iron Alloys

The publication categorizes cutting-edge alloys into three key material families:

◎ Titanium Alloys – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant innovations

• Core material in aerospace applications for airframes, engine components, and landing gear
• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio enhances fuel efficiency and payload
• Proven durability in chloride- and H₂S-rich offshore environments
• High biocompatibility and long-term stability for medical implants

◎ Nickel-based Superalloys – Designed to conquer extreme temperatures

• Resilient beyond 1200°C with excellent thermal and mechanical stability
• Ideal for turbine blades, combustors, and disks in power generation systems
• High resistance to creep, oxidation, and thermal cycling in jet engine hot zones
• Key material in high-temperature petrochemical reactors and heat exchangers

◎ Special Iron Alloys – The structural backbone of industrial infrastructure

• High-strength steels for shipbuilding, construction, automotive, and renewable energy
• Covers a wide range from ultra-high-strength to abrasion-resistant grades
• Enhanced fatigue performance and weldability in marine applications
• Delivers both weight reduction and crash safety in automotive structures
• Specialized grades for wind turbine towers and heavy-duty bearings

A Practical Data Library for Industry Professionals

Each alloy in The Metals Grade Atlas includes:

• Chemical composition and mechanical properties
• Corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance
• Fatigue strength and weldability indexes
• Real-world application examples and selection criteria
• Cost-performance considerations to support design decisions

Supporting Engineering Decision-Making

Going beyond material specifications, the book offers a structured framework for material selection in actual engineering practice. It assists professionals in benchmarking, processability assessment, and cost-performance analysis to guide optimal alloy choices.

A Strategic Companion for Industrial Innovation

SUPER METAL PRICE stated, "We sincerely hope this publication becomes a trusted and indispensable reference for design engineers, material scientists, and quality professionals striving to make precise, performance-driven, and economically sound material decisions."

The company further emphasized, "This book aims to serve as a compass for understanding, developing, and applying advanced metals in the pursuit of next-generation industrial innovation."

Global Market Insights and Future Outlook

With net-zero targets and energy transitions accelerating worldwide, demand for high-performance specialty metals is rising sharply. Policies such as the EU’s CBAM and the U.S. IRA have further highlighted the strategic value of specialty alloys. Industry experts have praised The Metals Grade Atlas as a long-awaited professional handbook that offers both comprehensive coverage and practical utility in the field.

Publication Details

• Title: The Metals Grade Atlas (eBook)
• Publisher: SUPER METAL PRICE
• Release Date: June 1, 2025
• Language: English
• File Size: 12.9MB
• Length: 815 pages

Available at: www.supermetalprice.com

About SUPER METAL PRICE

SUPER METAL PRICE is a global intelligence platform delivering in-depth analysis and real-time news on the metal markets. Its coverage spans steel, non-ferrous metals, rare earths, and energy-transition materials, with expert insights into pricing trends, tariffs, trade policies, and technical innovations across major regions including the U.S., Europe, China, and India.

Following The Metals Grade Atlas, the company plans to expand its specialty metals portfolio with future publications, including a Rare Earth Handbook and a Recycling Technology Guide.

Contact

Website: www.supermetalprice.com

eBook Purchase: Visit the digital download page

This press release is based on publicly available information from SUPER METAL PRICE.

UK Unveils Critical Raw Material Recovery Plan for Defence Sector

Team Defence Information

MoD Targets CRM Recycling in Defence Supply Chain

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has unveiled a comprehensive framework to recover critical raw materials (CRMs) from end-of-life military equipment, aiming to secure strategic resources and strengthen national supply chain resilience. Developed with trade association Team Defence Information, the plan embeds circular economy principles into procurement, maintenance, and disposal processes across the defence sector. This marks a significant departure from past practices, where most military equipment was discarded without extracting valuable materials.

Defence spending is set to rise, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledging an increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 from 2.3% in 2024. This growth will drive demand for specialty metals such as rare earth elements, tungsten, and cobalt — all of which face potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. The framework addresses these risks by prioritising domestic recovery and processing, reducing dependence on imports from politically sensitive regions.

Expanding Domestic Processing and Recycling Capacity

The new strategy identifies vulnerabilities within the UK's critical minerals supply chain, mapping gaps in domestic recovery and refining capabilities. It recommends building vertically integrated recycling operations capable of handling everything from dismantling retired military vehicles to processing complex alloys used in advanced defence systems. By leveraging its mature electronic waste recycling infrastructure, the UK can extend recovery efforts beyond precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals to include less commonly recycled elements essential for defence technologies.

However, achieving this goal will require substantial investment. The framework calls for stronger financial incentives, such as tax relief and targeted subsidies, to encourage both public and private sector participation. It also suggests that the MoD could directly fund projects aligned with its operational needs, enabling rapid scaling of pilot programmes. Collaboration with research institutions and industry will be key to developing cost-effective recovery methods for metals embedded in complex military hardware.

Strategic Benefits for National Security

Strengthening domestic CRM recovery is not just an environmental initiative but also a matter of national security. A reliable domestic supply of critical metals can shield the defence sector from price volatility, trade restrictions, and supply chain shocks. This is especially important as global competition for critical minerals intensifies, driven by the energy transition and the rapid growth of clean technologies.

The UK’s mature recycling infrastructure, combined with targeted investment in processing technologies, positions the country to become a leader in defence-related CRM recovery. If successfully implemented, the framework could serve as a model for other NATO members seeking to enhance their strategic resource independence while meeting sustainability targets.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The UK’s CRM recovery framework reflects a strategic convergence of defence policy and resource security. By integrating circular economy practices into military logistics, the country can reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive imports and strengthen its industrial base. The key challenge will be balancing speed of implementation with cost efficiency, ensuring that recovery operations are both technically viable and commercially sustainable.