Metallurgical patented Process Transforming Residues from the Electronic Industry into Valuable Precious Metals

Project Information

METALLICA

Grant agreement ID: 781060

DOI

10.3030/781060

Project closed

EC signature date 14 July 2017

Start date 1 August 2017

End date 30 November 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

URBANGOLD GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - METALLICA (Metallurgical patented Process Transforming Residues from the Electronic Industry into Valuable Precious Metals)

Reporting period: 2017-08-01 to 2017-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a complex mixture of materials and components and if not properly managed, can cause environmental and health issues. WEEE is one the fastest growing waste streams in the EU, expected to grow to more than 12 million tons by 2020. To improve the environmental management of WEEE, to contribute to a circular economy, and to enhance resource efficiency we designed METALLICA, an innovative metallurgical process capable of extracting base and precious metals, and critical raw materials from WEEE. Our main goals for the development and commercialization of METALLICA are: assess the market of WEEE, evaluate the technical specifications parameters, identify any innovation legally protected that may risk our project, identify potential customers within metallurgy industry, investors and municipalities, analyse the regulations and design a strong business plan.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We performed a technical feasibility to evaluate process parameters, exemplary lay-out of the plant and conduct a risk analysis. Obtaining an environmental impact assessment of the first recycling plant is crucial. For the commercial feasibility, an initial FTO analysis was performed to guarantee that METALLICA can be commercialised, we consider the licencing of our technology. We analysed the new targeted markets to evaluate their volume and the best penetration strategy and performed a risk assessment. Several potential customers have expressed their interest. We also value trade fairs as a business opportunity to establish commercial agreements. We executed a financial feasibility through an analysis and investment evaluation for the completion of the process, commercialization of the technology, and plant operation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Our ultimate objective is to offer a recycling technology with a groundbreaking role, leading to maximum recovery of valuable metals and regulated hazardous gas emissions at a reduced lead time, while minimising the volume of material landfilled. We will ensure that the METALLICA fulfils all technical, commercial, and financial requirements for a successful introduction in the EU market of our cost-effective and sustainable technology. By aiming at adequate treatment of all qualities of WEEE – including lowest qualities – METALLICA addresses a gap in the market and tackles worldwide challenges (efficient use of resources and raw materials). From this Feasibility Study we expect to develop several relationships with key players within the EU, as well as become technological reference in WEEE management and impact the circular economy of the region.

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