Metso Outotec to unveil e-scrap smelting systems

In June, Finland-based Metso Outotec Corp. will introduce what it calls a “comprehensive” electronic scrap solutions portfolio for the smelting and refining of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

The array of 11 processes and types of equipment “consists of Metso Outotec’s proven smelting, refining, hydrometallurgy and gas-cleaning technologies, all contributing to the safe and profitable recycling of e-scrap,” the company states.

Metso Outotec defines e-scrap as consisting of “printed circuit boards and electronic devices containing copper, gold, and other valuable metals,” which it says is one of the “fastest-growing waste streams worldwide.”

The firm continues, “The depletion of primary raw materials and the increasing complexity of e-scrap, the need for safe and environmentally friendly recycling and reuse of these valuable raw materials is of paramount importance.” States the Finnish company, “It all starts from metallurgy.”

Metso Outotec says its “highly automated smelting solutions, complemented with highly efficient gas cleaning and wastewater treatment, comply with the strictest environmental regulations.” Zero water discharge can be provided as an option, and all of its systems “are supported with in-house pilot testing and process modeling and are backed by process guarantees and advisory services."

Lauri Närhi, sales director of smelting at Metso Outotec, says, “Process design for optimal efficiency, emissions control and minimized energy use always starts from metallurgy – you need to understand the variability in the feed materials. At Metso Outotec, we have decades of technical expertise in dealing with diverse raw materials. Thanks to our state-of-the-art testing capabilities and proven references, we can provide an optimal process solution with high recovery and availability for a wide variety of secondary raw materials – all the way to the refined metal product.”

Nähri adds, “By helping to turn waste into valuable metals, our solutions help to take advantage of the exciting new opportunities being created now for the circular economy of today and the future.”

Metso Outotec says it will host two free webinars where its e-scrap systems will be discussed in more detail. The first seminar will be held twice June 10 (at 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. eastern time in the United States, which is 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. eastern European summer time). The second one will be broadcast twice one week later on June 17 (also at 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. eastern time in the U.S., 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in eastern Europe). Information on how to register for the webinars can be found on this web page.