MTM Achieves 98% Recovery of High-Grade Antimony from U.S. Electronic Waste

A New Frontier in Critical Metal Recovery

MTM Critical Metals Ltd has announced a significant technological and strategic milestone by recovering antimony at a grade of 3.13% from U.S.-sourced electronic waste, achieving a 98% recovery rate using its proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology. This result not only surpasses the typical grades of primary antimony mines worldwide but also positions MTM at the forefront of urban mining innovation.

Antimony, a critical metal essential for munitions, semiconductors, batteries, and flame retardants, has long been dominated by Chinese production and refining. With China controlling nearly half of global mine output and over 70% of refining capacity, recent export restrictions have sent shockwaves through global supply chains, elevating prices and prompting urgent calls for diversified sources.

Urban Mining, Turning E-Waste into Strategic Assets

The feedstock for MTM’s breakthrough was derived from U.S. electronic waste, specifically printed circuit boards from telecom equipment and servers. After upstream thermal processing removed plastics and volatiles, the remaining metal-rich carbonaceous residue contained antimony concentrations more than three times higher than the world’s largest known primary deposits, such as China’s Xikuangshan mine.

MTM’s FJH process involves rapid heating in a chlorinated atmosphere, converting metals into water-soluble chlorides without the use of acids. This single-step, acid-free method not only enhances recovery efficiency but also reduces environmental impact compared to traditional metallurgical techniques.

Strategic Alignment with U.S. National Interests

MTM’s achievement aligns closely with U.S. government priorities to secure domestic sources of critical metals. Recent discussions with the Department of Defense and Department of Energy underscore the national security implications of antimony supply, particularly for defense applications such as armor-piercing alloys and flame retardants.

The company has already secured long-term agreements for over 1,100 tonnes per year of e-waste feedstock, laying a solid foundation for scaling operations. Additionally, MTM holds a pre-permitted demonstration site in Texas, positioning it well to advance commercial deployment and potentially attract government funding to support domestic refining capabilities.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

Global antimony prices have surged amid tightening Chinese export controls, with benchmark prices more than tripling since 2023. This price environment, combined with growing e-waste volumes, projected to quadruple in value by 2032, creates a compelling commercial opportunity for MTM’s technology.

While the technology remains at demonstration scale, the results so far demonstrate robust recovery across multiple metals, including gold, silver, copper, and tin, highlighting the versatility of the FJH process. The next steps involve broader sampling to confirm repeatability, refining pathway development, and deepening engagement with government and industry stakeholders.