What's Happening?
Metallium, formerly known as MTM Critical Metals, is making significant progress at its Technology Campus in Texas, USA. The company has placed key equipment orders, upgraded the site, and purchased feedstock to advance its first commercial flash joule heating (FJH) metal recovery plant. The redevelopment of the site infrastructure is underway, with commissioning expected to begin in December 2025. Metallium has ordered 60 tonnes of printed circuit board scrap to match the anticipated long-term feedstock profile for the facility, allowing for process tuning and operational readiness testing. CEO Michael Walshe stated that the company aims to leverage the FJH modular system design to expand across the US, targeting sites near major e-waste collection centers. The company is finalizing engineering, structural analysis, and integration design, with Hunt, Guillot & Associates engaged for plant integration and engineering assessments.
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Why It's Important?
The advancement of Metallium's facility in Texas is significant for the U.S. metals recovery and refining industry. By utilizing its patented FJH technology, Metallium can extract critical and precious metals from various feedstocks, including e-waste and refinery scrap. This positions Metallium as a leader in U.S.-based metals recovery, potentially reducing reliance on foreign sources for these materials. The expansion of this model across the U.S. could enhance the country's capacity to process a diverse range of metals, supporting the growing demand for critical materials in technology and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the collaboration with local power utilities and landfill operators ensures compliance with environmental regulations, promoting sustainable practices in the industry.
What's Next?
Metallium is expected to continue its site upgrades, including electrical system enhancements, site clearing, and drainage improvements, to optimize the facility for safe and efficient operations. The company is also working on finalizing supply arrangements with Entergy Texas for long-term operations. Discussions with an adjacent landfill operator are ongoing to establish solids residue discharge pathways. As the commissioning date approaches, Metallium will likely focus on operational readiness testing and process tuning to ensure the facility's success. The expansion of the FJH modular system design across the U.S. could lead to further developments in metals recovery and refining capabilities.
Beyond the Headlines
Metallium's initiative highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices in the mining and metals recovery industry. By focusing on e-waste and refinery scrap, the company addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional mining methods. The use of advanced technology like FJH for metal extraction could set a precedent for other companies in the sector, encouraging innovation and environmental responsibility. This development also underscores the potential for economic growth in regions hosting such facilities, as they may attract related industries and create job opportunities.
