MTM Critical Metals Limited Achieves 98% Recovery of High-Grade Antimony from U.S. E-Waste, Paving the Way for a Resilient Domestic Supply Chain Amid Escalating Global Prices

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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MTM Critical Metals Limited has achieved a breakthrough, recovering 98% of high-grade antimony (3.13%) from U.S. e-waste using its innovative Flash Joule Heating technology. This advancement, exceeding typical mined ore grades, highlights strong potential to support domestic critical metal supply and strategic U.S. initiatives.

MTM Critical Metals Limited has announced a significant technological breakthrough by recovering 3.13% antimony from U.S.-sourced electronic waste using its proprietary Flash Joule Heating process. In a single-step, acid-free conversion, the company achieved a 98% recovery rate by converting antimony to a water-soluble chloride form. This result is particularly notable as the recovered grade far exceeds the global average for primary antimony deposits, which typically range between 0.1% and 1.0%. The process involved treating printed circuit boards from telecommunications and server equipment that had previously undergone thermal processing to remove plastics and volatiles, leaving behind a concentrated, metal-rich residue. This residue, enriched in antimony along with precious metals like gold, silver, copper, and tin, underscores the potential of urban mining. Such a high grade of antimony presents a strategic advantage, particularly since the United States lacks significant domestic production and currently relies on Chinese imports. Against a backdrop of tightening Chinese export controls that have led to significant price surges in antimony, the technological achievement supports favorable supply chain diversification. With antimony being critical for applications ranging from defense to semiconductors and flame retardants, and amid heightened geopolitical tensions, the development resonates with U.S. governmental initiatives to secure domestic sources for strategic metals. MTM has also secured long-term agreements to supply over 1,100 tonnes per year of e-waste feedstock, strengthening the commercial viability of scaling up its operations. From a market sentiment perspective, the breakthrough is bullish. The high recovery rate and the superior metal grade signal strong technical and commercial potential, especially given current global supply chain constraints and government interest in building domestic refining capacity. However, potential bearish elements include regulatory challenges in finalizing downstream refining processes and dependence on consistent feedstock supplies, along with global price volatility for antimony. Overall, the announcement positions MTM Critical Metals Limited favorably within the expanding e-waste recycling market, pointing to promising growth as the industry shifts focus toward domestic and sustainable sources of critical metals.

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