With the expanded capabilities, the company will be able to treat new recycling materials and further strengthen its already very strong position in the recycling market. The smelter is planned to be operational within the next two years.
In line with Heraeus Precious Metals sustainability goal to become carbon neutral by 2025, the smelter will be powered exclusively by renewable energy. It will mainly be used for the treatment of internal recycling material streams. Over the past years, Heraeus Precious Metals saw strong growth at its eight recycling locations worldwide. This development resulted in a substantial increase in the quantity of internal streams suitable for smelter processing. Having the ability to treat these materials will increase the efficiency of the company’s processes and reduce overall handling complexity. This development enables Heraeus Precious Metals to reduce its exposure to increasingly unreliable supply chains and become more robust within the value chain.
"We are convinced that the precious metals recycling market will continue to grow as a result of more regional supply chains and an increasing demand for both secondary recycled materials and circular solutions,” explains Uve Kupka, President Heraeus Precious Metals Americas. “The investment in our site in Wartburg will be in the mid double-digit million USD range and is part of a larger expansion program executed at our locations worldwide.” Furthermore, it will contribute to the advancement of the local economy through the creation of 40 to 50 new jobs in Morgan County, Tennessee.
About Heraeus Precious Metals
Heraeus Precious Metals is a leading provider of precious metals services and products. We combine all activities related to our comprehensive expertise in the precious metals loop – from trading to precious metals products to recycling.
Heraeus Precious Metals is one of the world’s largest refiners of platinum group metals (PGMs) and a leading name in industrial precious metals trading. Our precious metals products are used in a wide variety of industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, glass, electronics and automotive industries. We offer top quality solutions and products based on many years of experience and technical expertise. We are a reliable development partner for our customers and find the best solutions for their requirements.
About Heraeus
Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international family-owned portfolio company. The company’s roots go back to a family pharmacy started in 1660. Today, the Heraeus group includes businesses in the environmental, electronics, health and industrial applications sectors. Customers benefit from innovative technologies and solutions based on broad materials expertise and technological leadership.
In the 2021 financial year, the FORTUNE Global 500 listed group generated revenues of €29.5 billion (US$34.9 billion*) with approximately 16,200 employees in 40 countries. Heraeus is one of the top 10 family-owned companies in Germany and holds a leading position in its global markets.
