BackAre you holding onto old gadgets without realizing their potential? A recent study[1] reveals that the copper and other critical minerals hidden in unused electronic devices could play a vital role in shaping a greener future.
A Hidden Treasure
As industries pivot toward renewable energy and advanced technologies, the demand for critical minerals like copper, alloyed brass, and platinum group metals (PGMs) has surged. These non-ferrous metals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and cutting-edge electronics. However, global production of these materials is struggling to meet demand, sparking concerns over supply chain security and environmental sustainability.
The solution lies in urban mining—recovering valuable metals from devices already in circulation. Millions of unused or broken electronics in UK homes hold substantial reserves of copper and other critical materials. For instance, researchers estimate that the copper stored in these devices could satisfy a significant portion of the country’s needs for the next decade.
The Power of Recycling Critical Metals
Recycling isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about reclaiming resources vital for technological advancement. By recovering and refining critical metals such as copper, aluminium, and PGMs, we can:
- Minimize reliance on traditional mining, which often carries a heavy environmental toll.
- Lower energy demand compared to extracting virgin materials.
- Build a sustainable, circular economy by reintegrating these metals into new products.
The value of recycling extends beyond WEEE (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment) to include non-ferrous metals from various sources. Metals like copper and alloyed brass can be recycled endlessly without degrading in quality, ensuring long-term resource availability.
Why Unimetals?
At Unimetals, we recognise the growing importance of critical minerals for a sustainable future. As one of the UK’s largest metal recycling networks, we are committed to extracting maximum value from scrap metal and end-of-life products. Our services include not only WEEE recycling but also the recovery of non-ferrous metals like copper, brass alloys, and PGMs.
To meet the challenges of rising demand, Unimetals is investing in advanced recovery technologies. These innovations will allow us to extract, refine, and reintroduce critical materials into the supply chain more efficiently, reducing environmental impact and ensuring resource security for future generations.
Our vision is a metal industry where no valuable resource goes to waste, helping industries meet their sustainability goals while promoting a circular economy.
Join us in turning old technology into the resources that will power a cleaner, greener future.
Contact us to start making a difference today.
