Those cell phones, computers, and small devices gathering dust in drawers contain valuable minerals such as copper, silver, and platinum, which often end up in landfills. Every year, Spain generates nearly 930,000 tons of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), making it the sixth-largest producer of this type of waste in Europe, according to UN E-waste Monitor data from 2024.
The Need for Improved Recycling
Less than half of this electronic waste is documented for recycling. As Europe aims to achieve sovereignty over rare earths and critical minerals, Spain has made significant strides by inaugurating a pioneering CSIC pilot plant designed for metal recovery from electronic waste.
A Revolutionary Furnace
Recently, the National Center for Metallurgical Research of the CSIC opened the first European pilot plant that utilizes a submerged lance furnace to recover critical metals from electronic waste. This innovative furnace operates at temperatures exceeding 1,200 °C and has successfully cast metals such as copper, gold, silver, and platinum in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
Unlike conventional furnaces that generate heat externally, the submerged lance furnace injects oxygen and fuel directly into the molten material, creating turbulence that aids in mixing, accelerating chemical reactions, and enhancing energy efficiency.
The Importance of Metal Recovery
With millions of tons of electronic waste generated annually in Europe, containing essential materials for energy transition and digitalization, the importance of recovery cannot be understated. Failure to recover these materials results in economic losses and increases reliance on imports from single suppliers, which poses geopolitical risks.
This innovative facility aligns with the Critical Raw Materials Law of the European Union, which mandates that at least 25% of critical raw materials consumed by the EU by 2030 come from recycling, reducing the continent’s dependency on imports.
WEEE Crisis: A Growing Problem
The generation of WEEE is escalating, with the UN’s 2024 report indicating that the world produced 62 million tons of electronic waste in 2022, an 82% increase since 2010. Europe tops global rankings for WEEE generation per capita, producing an average of 17.6 kg per person. However, only 7.3 kg of that is recovered.
This waste represents a significant economic value, quantified at $91 billion annually worldwide. Europe alone is estimated to lose about $19 billion each year due to insufficient waste management.
How the Submerged Lance Furnace Works
The submerged lance furnace employs the ISASMELT process, which requires minimal pre-treatment of raw materials. The waste is melted, allowing denser metals like copper, gold, and silver to sink, while lighter slag floats for easier separation.
This groundbreaking project is a collaboration between CENIM-CSIC and leading companies such as Atlantic Copper and Glencore Technology.
Challenges Ahead
While the CSIC facility is a significant advance, it is still a pilot plant, not yet ready for large-scale industrial application. Technical challenges remain, including gas emission management and the lifespan of furnace materials. The project may align with the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, but more action and funding are needed to expedite these initiatives.
The primary issue lies in waste collection; currently, 46% of WEEE is lost before it can be recycled due to inadequate collection methods. Advances in recovery technology won’t be effective if electronic waste continues to be improperly disposed of, highlighting the urgent need to improve collection systems across Europe.