Outotec Solutions for E-Scrap Processing

Scrap materials generated from End-of-Life electrical and electronic goods attract a great deal of attention both as a problem for society as well as an opportunity for new value creation through efficient recovery of the metals and energy content of such materials. Whilst the arisings of such materials appear to be ever increasing with growing affluence and decreasing product life cycle, processing of these secondary materials is faced with many challenges due to their complex and evolving nature. This paper discusses processing of complex scrap materials and how a combination of pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy can enable recovery of a wide range of valuable metals. Special attention is needed to address the environmental aspects of processing such materials and Outotec solutions are discussed with environmental performance as a key consideration. This is borne out by the successful experience on commercial projects in countries at the forefront of environmental and operating standards.