Modern metal recycling plant in Zawiercie – an investment of more than 600 million PLN
The Elemental Group, a leader in the recycling of strategic and precious metals, has opened the most advanced facility in Zawiercie for the recovery of battery metals and metals from the platinum group. This innovative investment is an important step toward sustainable development and making Europe less dependent on imports of primary raw materials. The Elemental Strategic Metals plant specializes in the recovery of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and valuable precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are essential for modern technologies.
The Importance of the Plant for the Economy and Environment
The newly opened plant in Zawiercie addresses the growing demand for strategic raw materials which are used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), electronic devices, and the renewable energy industry. By 2035, it is projected that 30% of the EU’s demand for lithium, nickel, and cobalt will be able to be covered by recycled materials. This investment allows for the efficient use of resources, minimizing the need for extraction, while also shortening supply chains.
Annually, the plant will be able to recover metals from 4,000 tons of batteries and precious metals from 6,000 tons of various materials.
The new facility will process used lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, as well as automotive and industrial catalysts. The recovered metals will be reused mainly in the electromobility industry and renewable energy sector.
The production processes are powered by renewable energy from a photovoltaic farm, while an advanced wastewater treatment plant and modern laboratories facilitate further technological development with minimal environmental impact.
Impact on Industry and Europe’s Resource Security
The Zawiercie investment not only promotes the development of sustainable technologies but also plays a key role in Europe’s strategic resource security. Through the recovery of battery and precious metals at the Elemental Strategic Metals plant, the European Union can reduce its dependance on imports of rare materials, which are essential for producing next generations of batteries and technologies.
With this investment, Poland is becoming a key player in the recycling of strategic resources, while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and supporting the electromobility industry. It marks a groundbreaking step that strengthens both Poland’s and Europe’s position on the map of modern technologies and the closed-loop economy.
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