Metallium Unveils US Hub and Strategic Deals to Scale Metal Recovery Tech
Metallium Ltd has revealed significant progress in commercialising its Flash Joule Heating technology with a new Texas facility and key partnerships, setting the stage for global expansion in critical metals recovery.
- First commercial site established in Texas via Flash Metals USA
- Strategic partnerships secured with Indium Corporation and Glencore Recycling
- Flash Joule Heating technology validated at pilot scale and ready for commercial deployment
- Clear roadmap for scaling e-waste recycling and rare earth processing globally
- Government contracts and funding applications underway to support growth
A Transformative Year for Metallium
Metallium Ltd, an Australian innovator in critical and precious metals recovery, has marked 2025 as a breakthrough year. The company’s patented Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, which rapidly extracts valuable metals from e-waste and mineral concentrates, has moved from pilot validation to commercial readiness. Central to this progress is the establishment of a permanent technology hub in Texas through its wholly owned subsidiary, Flash Metals USA Inc., a major milestone that positions Metallium at the forefront of US strategic supply chain initiatives.
Alongside this, Metallium has secured a series of strategic commercial agreements with industry heavyweights such as Indium Corporation, a global leader in specialty metals refining, and Glencore Recycling, a dominant player in North American metals recycling. These partnerships not only validate the technology’s potential but also provide secured feedstock supply and pathways to market.
Flash Joule Heating – A Game-Changer in Metal Recovery
FJH technology offers a disruptive alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical and smelting processes. By applying ultra-fast electrical heating to crushed feedstocks, it liberates metals as high-purity chlorides without the need for acid leaching or multi-stage smelting, significantly reducing environmental impact. The modular design allows rapid deployment near urban recycling hubs or mining sites, minimizing transport costs and carbon footprint.
Recent test results have demonstrated impressive recoveries, including an 86% tin and 82% palladium extraction from e-waste printed circuit boards, and a 20-fold upgrade in rare earth element ore concentration. These outcomes underpin Metallium’s ambition to become the global benchmark for e-waste and critical mineral processing.
Dual Business Model Fuels Growth Potential
Metallium’s strategy combines a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model for urban mining and e-waste recycling with licensing and joint ventures for mineral processing. This dual approach maximizes market capture by generating rapid revenue from high-margin scrap processing while also tapping into the expanding rare earth elements market through technology licensing and royalties.
The company’s Texas facility is ramping up to nameplate capacity, supported by secured feedstock contracts and ongoing negotiations to expand its supplier network. Plans are underway to standardize FJH modules for global rollout, with a focus on scaling operations across the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East by 2030.
Environmental and Strategic Advantages
FJH’s low emissions and minimal water use offer significant ESG benefits, easing permitting challenges and aligning with global sustainability goals. The technology’s ability to process diverse feedstocks; from e-waste to rare earth ores and industrial residues; positions Metallium as a critical player in addressing the looming global supply crunch for strategic metals, currently dominated by Chinese processing monopolies.
Government recognition, including a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the US Department of War for gallium recovery, underscores the strategic importance of Metallium’s technology in securing resilient supply chains for advanced technologies.
Looking Ahead – Scaling and Commercialisation
Over the next 12 months, Metallium aims to complete commissioning of its Texas plant, finalize additional feedstock agreements, and advance global project scoping. The company is also pursuing non-dilutive funding opportunities through US government agencies to support expansion and further technology development. With a clear vision to become the go-to solution for e-waste and critical mineral processing worldwide, Metallium is poised to disrupt traditional metals recovery markets and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.
Bottom Line?
Metallium’s US foothold and strategic partnerships set the stage for rapid scaling of its disruptive metal recovery technology amid rising global supply chain pressures.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Metallium ramp Texas operations to full commercial capacity?
- What are the timelines and terms expected for binding agreements with key partners like Indium Corporation?
- How will government funding decisions impact Metallium’s expansion and technology development plans?