SPRIND Innovators' Day: all Slides

TECH METAL TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE INNOVATORS DAY 10.09.2025 DESIGN OFFICES BERLIN HUMBOLDTHAFEN | ALEXANDERUFER 3-7 | 10117 BERLIN

AGENDA

10:00 – 10:30

Arrival + Coffee

10:30 – 11:15

Tech Metal Transformation Challenge: Intro + Q&A

11:30 – 12:30

Matchmaking – Part 1

12:30 – 13:00

Individual SPRIND sessions

Lunch Break

13:00 – 14:00

Mentor/NSF/jury talks

Individual SPRIND sessions

14:00 – 15:00

Matchmaking – Part 2

Individual SPRIND sessions

Closing

Final tips and advice from SPRIND Team

WHAT YOU SHOULD GET OUT OF TODAY ✓ Hear first-hand from the SPRIND team about design and vision of the challenge. ✓ Ask us questions about the challenge and get 15 minutes of unfettered access with the team for a private conversation, where you can preview your idea.

✓ Build your network. You might have part of the solution but are looking for others to create A team or join someone else's team. ✓ Gain insight into the complex e-waste recycling value chain and learn about today's challenges from senior industry experts. ✓ Meet our partners at the U.S. National Science Foundation, who will be developing the aligned us version of this challenge.

TECH METAL TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE OVERVIEW

THE SPRIND SPIRIT

WE EMBRACE UNCONVENTIONAL, CREATIVE, INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES THAT CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO. WE EMPOWER RISK TAKERS, CELEBRATE FAILURE, AND SEEK OPENMINDED INDIVIDUALS, WHO ARE MORE PRONE TO SERENDIPITOUS DISCOVERY.

EVERYTHING MENTIONED IN THIS BRIEFING IS OUTLINED IN THE APPLICATION MATERIAL

VISION

DEVELOP AN END-TO-END PROCESS IN WHICH RECOVERED METALS CAN BE DIRECTLY REUSED AS FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS WITH A LIFE-AFTER-NEXT IN MIND. ACHIEVE PILOT PLANTS WITH A TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL OF 6 TO 7 WITHIN THREE YEARS.

ALL METALS ARE UP FOR THE TAKING

SMARTPHONES USE 69 ELEMENTS LESS THAN 25% RECYCLED CRITICAL METALS ARE OFTEN LOST

NO VIABLE BUSINESS CASE FOR LOWVALUE, HIGHLY DISPERSED METALS

THE STARTING POINT: SHREDDED MOBILE PHONE CIRCUIT BOARDS AND DISPLAYS

UTILIZE AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

UTILIZE BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL APPROACHES AND BUILD A MODULAR SYSTEM TO GAIN ACCESS OF THESE CRITICAL METALS.

CHANGE THE WAY WE PROCESS METALS FROM WASTE

REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION, REDUCE WASTE STREAMS, LIMIT THE USE OF TOXIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS, REFINE RESOURCE INTENSE PROCESSES

Source: Ambaye, T.G., Vaccari, M., Castro, F.D. et al. (2020).

THINK BEYOND JUST RECOVERY Produce new, functional materials with targeted industrial applicability •

High-entropy alloys with a better strength-to-weight ratio, a higher degree of breaking and tensile strength, as well as corrosion and oxidation resistance

•

Bio-based nanoparticles with tailored shape & size for diverse industries

•

…

SELECTION CRITERIA

• The processes are to be optimized in such a way that metal losses through dissipation are avoided, energy consumption is significantly reduced and the resulting products are optimized in terms of their functionality in line with market requirements.

• Projects are developed from the laboratory stage (TRL 2/3) to prototypes in a real operating environment (TRL 7).

• If you have not created or have an existing company in year two, your chances of moving to Stage 3 are limited.

PROCESS

#TEAMS

CONCEPT

NUMB ER O F TEAMS

PROOF OF CO NCEPT

FUNCTIONAL EXTENSION

DEMONSTRATIO N OF THE SOLUTION

FURTHER DEVELO PMENT

1 START

CO MPO SITION O F TEAMS

2 INTER IM EVALUATIO N

3 INTER IM EVALUATION

4 END

YEAR S

3 STAGES IN 3 YEARS

STAGE 1 - LAB

STAGE 2- PILOT

STAGE 3 – REAL-WORLD

Demonstrate high recovery rates on

Build a real-world, end-to-end

standard e-waste streams

prototype

Validate the process for at least one

Recycle at least two different

market-viable functional material

End-of-Life products

Integrate biological, chemical &

Show industrial & commercial viability

mechanical steps

STAGE 1 FROM TRL2/3 TO 4 VALIDATE YOUR PROPOSED RECYCLING STRATEGY

STAGE 1 • Identify the key fractions or target metals suitable for recovery and functional transformation from shredded mobile phone circuit boards and displays.

• Demonstrate a process route that produces at least one functional metal product with real application potential.

• Validate important process steps on a laboratory scale: carry out small-scale tests with the process steps and record material balances and energy input per step.

STAGE 1 • Use the measured recycling yields as well as the officially provided supply risk and economic importance values to calculate an initial critical raw materials score.

• HAZOP analysis of the process: implement a basic safety concept for the handling of byproducts such as toxic gases and brominated flame retardants.

• LCA preview: indicate values for energy use and main reagents and complete an assessment of how these values can be improved through scaling or optimization.

• Provide analytical proof that the recovered material meets the purity or functionality requirements.

STAGE 2 FROM TRL4 TO TRL5/6 OPTIMIZE, INTEGRATE AND MAKE BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL, MECHANICAL PROCESSES MORE FLEXIBLE

STAGE 2

• Reduce metal dissipation and energy requirements to a minimum.

• The metal or mineral products obtained are to be optimized in terms of their functionality.

• At least one end-of-life product is to be completely recycled.

• Complete a comprehensive techno-economic analysis and a life cycle analysis.

STAGE 3 FROM TRL5/6 TO TRL7 FIRST DEMONSTRATOR IN THE FORM OF A SCALABLE AND FUNCTIONAL END-TO-END PROTOTYPE

STAGE 3 • Demonstrate in a real operating environment how the complete metal inventory of at least two significantly different end-of-life products can be processed into functional metal or mineral products.

• The functional metal or mineral products obtained must be suitable for direct use by customers and demonstrated for use in proof-of-concept manufacturing.

• The process must include a complete life cycle.

• This demonstrator must show how it can be integrated into existing industrial recycling processes or disrupt them in terms of material recovery and economic viability.

IMPORTANT DATES

THE APPLICATION PERIOD RUNS UNTIL NOVEMBER 7, 2025 (18:00 CET).

INVITATIONS TO PITCH IN PERSON TO SPRIND WILL BE 4/5 DECEMBER THE CHALLENGE STARTS ON THE DAY OF THE JURY DECISION (DECEMBER 5)

IF YOU ARE SELECTED

BE READY TO SIGN THE CONTRACT!!!

IT IS PUBLISHED AND AVAILABLE WITH THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS THE CONTRACT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING FOR STAGE 1, 8 TEAMS MAY RECEIVE UP TO EUR 1,500,000 (PLUS VAT) EACH. UP TO SIX TEAMS WILL ADVANCE TO STAGE 2, WITH FUNDING OF UP TO EUR 2,000,000 (PLUS VAT) PER TEAM.

FOR UP TO FOUR TEAMS MOVING INTO STAGE 3, SPRIND WILL PROVIDE UP TO EUR 2,500,000 (PLUS VAT).

WITH FUNDING BASED ON EACH TEAM’S PROJECTED COSTS

LET’S CLOSE THE LOOP ON CRITICAL METALS! LEARN MORE AT SPRIND.ORG

SPREAD THE WORD TO INNOVATORS IN EUROPE

WEEEcycling - opportunities & challenges for CRM recovery from complex (electronic) products

© Umicore

© Umicore

Dr. Christian Hagelüken SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.2025 1

▪ Biggest challenge in recycling of electronic products? ►Their proper collection at EoL

▪ Challenge No. 2? ► Channelling collected EoL products into best performing processes

▪ Challenge No. 3? (overarching) ► Making it all economically viable without negative side effects

▪ Challenge No. 4? ►High quality recycling technology coping with product complexity

→ Effective recycling technology is key for CRM recovery – but it‘s useless when not properly embedded into the overarching system 2 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Effective collection crucial for economic viability Challenges: Low value of single unit, complex waste mixes & product compositions  E-scrap / mobile phones, a complex mix …

• Metal value of 1 smart phone:  2 €* (at current record prices for Au & Ag)

• Net value of 5 t of phones at gate of Umicore recycling plant: ≤ 90,000 € • Metal value of ~2 B mobile phones sold globally annually:  4 B €

▪ Ag, Au, Pd… (precious metals) ▪ Cu, Al, Ni, Sn, Fe, Bi, Sb, In… (base & special metals) ▪ Hg, Be, Pb, Cd, As, …(hazardous substances) ▪ Halogens (Br, F, Cl...)

▪ Plastics & other organic materials ▪ Glass, ceramics, wood, …

 Environmental risk in case of landfill/bad recycling  Important source for raw materials (incl. CRM)

* at 20 mg Au @ 3300$/oz, 100 mg Ag @ 35 $/oz, 3 mg Pd @ 1000$/oz; 0,85 $/€ Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

© Umicore

3

Challenge: Recycling of complex multi-material assemblies* How to recycle responsibly? → cope with hazards while recovering value

* e.g. electronics

High quality recycling = economically viable recovery • of various relevant contained materials, • with high yields, • in marketable quality, • and meeting high environmental**- & social standards. ** incl. energy & CO2-balance

© Umicore © Umicore Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

4

Multi metal recycling requires optimised chains Quality of single steps & interaction between these is decisive for overall success

² Losses due to:

Not collected

Process-performance

Exports

EoL products

1 Collection

2 Pre-processing*

Products

50% X Collection rate

Chain efficiency: e.g. Au from WEEE

Residues

Wrong fractions

Non-marketable Output

3 End-processing**

Recycled metals * manual-mechanical ** chemical-metallurgical

Components/fractions

70%

X

95%

Recycling rate

= 33% Physical circularity rate

*** Main recycling drivers: economic value, business models & legislation (enforcement!)

1

2

3

Main challenges: product complexity, stakeholder collaboration along lifecycle, accessibility of EoL products, operational excellence, economic viability, …

5 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Approach & challenges in mechanical pre-processing Separation efficiency is decisive factor for overall metal yields

source: Reuter/ Van Schaik, 2010

Co-Ni-Cu-Li recycling from Li-Ion batteries

6 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Multi-Metals Refining @ Umicore Hoboken

process based on Cu/Pb/Ni metallurgy, input capacity up to 500,000 t/a Recyclables: catalysts, circuit boards, …

Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Cu, Pb, Ni, Sn, Bi, Se, Te, In, Sb, As

Collector metals 17 different metals

• • •

Highly flexible, energy efficient & robust process High performance due to optimised input mix In addition, dedicated process for battery recycling, recovering Co, Ni, Li, Cu

Industrial by-products: smelter intermediates, slags, dusts, bottom ashes, …

© Umicore © Umicore Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

7

Metallurgy for multi metal recycling Opportunities, challenges, limits • High recycling yields for (chemically noble) metals that fit metallurgically/thermodynamically – even as trace elements!

• The value of precious metals & Cu enables co-recovery of (many) other metals – if state-of-the-art facilities are used.

• Success factors: Economies of scale, technical infrastructure, metallurgical skills.

• Ignoble metals in input-Mix (Al, Fe, Ga, Ge, Ta, REE, Li, …) are lost as oxides to the slag (→ high dilution)  neither economical nor environmentally beneficial to recover these from the cold final slag.

Umicore Hoboken, Belgium © Umicore

Recycling prerequisite: channelling of the relevant material fractions to such plants!

• To recover these metals, dedicated metallurgical processes are needed (and available)  such target metals need to be separated & concentrated beforehand in pre-processing → Li-Ion batteries: Co, Ni, Li, Cu → Al; Steel; REE-magnets; Ge-residues...

• Need to mitigate CO2-emissions from fuel, energy & organic input.

• Slag discharge is crucial, need for reliable slag utilisation options.

• Metallurgical sites are the backbone of an EU circular economy.

8

Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Some principal optimisation approaches for CRM recycling from complex multi-metal mixes (technical/organisational) ➢ Optimisation of interfaces for processing/pre-treatment: • Pre-sorting of products („separate smartphones from electric toothbrushes“) • Pre-separation of relevant components (batteries, magnets, LCDs, Al-heat sinks/housings, Fe-frames, …)

• not useful: separation of smallest components (e.g. Ta-capacitors) from complex assemblies,  usually leads to losses of other valuable materials (e.g. Ag, Pd), high costs

➢ More selective collection: collection groups more strongly orientated towards recycling requirements ➢ Better transparency of real material flows at EoL ➢ Improved product design: modular structure, accessibility of raw material-relevant components (see above) ➢ New metallurgical processes: • •

Separation of „ignoble“ metals via the gas phase upstream/in the smelter (“fuming”) Separation from the liquid slag

Product passports, process-digitalisation along recycling chain, AI, optical recognition, new online (analytical) tools, etc. are offering new opportunities to improve CRM recovery ►Make sure: output materials to be suitable as reliable input for new products Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

9

Recycling economics: What’s the right price for “waste”?

Waste price

=

recoverable material value

 material content x yield x price product composition & market trends (pollutants can have negative value)

-

recycling chain costs

+

recycling fee*

• Technical performance

Impacted by:

• Process chain efficiency

Recycling industry

• Factor costs (labour, energy, capital) • Available volumes/economies of scale • EHS-performance (incl. reporting & hazardous emissions control) • Shipping costs (incl. taxes, customs) • Administrative costs (incl. time delays)

Legislation & enforcement

Trade regulations

*legislation / business model to cover externalised costs C. Hagelüken, C. Meskers (2023): Economic aspects of metal recycling, in: Handbook of Recycling (2nd ed.), Elsevier, 627-644

The lack of level playing field for EHS-compliant high-quality recyclers hampers the circular economy 10 10 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Suitable recycling & CE solutions can be as complex as the products – beware of simplistic approaches Excerpt from presentation provided at:

For complete presentation see: www.researchgate.net/profile/Christian_ Hagelueken/contributions

11 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

4. Smart (political) framework conditions, subsidies & incentives enable the recycling of all (critical) metals 2nd law of the recycling economy: All metals can be recycled in principle but not from every combination of materials (entropy problem) • Challenge of complex products & multi-material mixtures: requires prioritisation → what can be ‘sacrificed’ to enable the extraction of a target metal?

• Consider thermodynamic limits of metallurgy (e.g. chemically noble vs ignoble metals); compatible and incompatible trace elements.

• Importance of product design and mechanical processing technology. → can incompatible components/material mixes be separated before metallurgy and fed into suitable special processes (e.g. magnets, batteries)?

• Limits of R&D funding: 100% recycling is impossible.



Regulation, incentives and R&D funding are important, but they face thermodynamic/physical limits.

12 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Concluding – Overall recycling success factors Prerequisites: 1. Technical recyclability & generation of marketable output as basic requirement 2. Accessibility of relevant components → product design 3. Economic viability intrinsically or externally created 4. Comprehensive collection 5. Transparency on real flows of EoL products 6. Use of best performing recycling infrastructure 7. Optimal technical-organisational set-up of chain

Complex products require a systemic optimisation & interdisciplinary approaches (product development, process engineering, metallurgy, ecology, social & economic sciences) Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Sustainable metals management only works in a systemic approach

© Umicore

contact: christian.hagelueken@t-online.de Publications: www.researchgate.net/profile/Christian_Hagelueken/contributions C. Hagelüken, TUD Sustainable Materials, 10.6.25

C. Hagelüken, D. Goldmann (2022): Recycling and circular economy - towards a closed loop for metals in emerging clean technologies, Mineral Economics, https://rdcu.be/cNsl7 UBA Ressourcenkommission (2023): Opportunities & limits of recycling in the context of the Circular Economy – frame conditions, requirements, and recommendations for action.

C. Hagelüken, C. Meskers (2023): Economic aspects of metal recycling, in: Handbook of Recycling (2nd ed.), Elsevier, 627-644

Annex

•

CE is more than recycling - also optimise use & service life (incl. repair).  But at some point, high-quality recycling is required to physically close material cycles!

•

CE is essential for a sustainable supply of raw materials in Europe.

•

‘Good’ recycling is more expensive than poor recycling  Regulation & standards are important!

•

Recycling (only) ends with the production of marketable material (for the manufacture of new products).

•

The more complex the material composite & the greater the variety of materials, the more difficult it is to recycle many ingredients.. Take priorities: recovery of recyclable materials and avoidance of pollutants.

•

High-quality industrial recycling processes already exist for complex products (electrical and electronic products, catalytic converters, EV batteries, etc.). Make sure that they are used!

•

No recycling without collection! Create more collection incentives and better transparency about real material flows at the end of a product's life (→ potential key role for product passports).

•

Innovative business models for CRM-relevant consumer goods are decisive. New forms of collaboration (‘roundstream’) & product service models/leasing as game changers.

•

Focus: CE strategies for ‘green’ products, as they increase demand for (critical) raw materials and must be sustainable by definition. E-mobility is an ideal test case for CE. 15

Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Annex

EU Circular Economy* “… where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste minimized… to develop a low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy” EC Communication Dec. 2015 “Closing the loop – An EU action plan for the Circular Economy”

Metals are the ideal candidate: “eternally” recyclable, no downcycling, no material quality issues…

CE = much more than recycling (use efficiency, repair, reuse, …) but finally raw material loops need to be closed physically! ➢ Loop is only closed if recyclates are reused for production of new products (replacing primary metals). ➢ Current waste legislation misses this physical aspect. Reported recycling rates cannot be taken as suitable indicators for CE. * Meaning going beyond the traditional German expression „Kreislaufwirtschaft“ Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

16

Annex

Policy frame conditions: EU CRM Act (entered into force 23.5.2024)

Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

March 2023: European Critical Raw Materials Act (europa.eu), (COM (2023) 160)

17

Annex

Factors impacting the economic viability of recycling Macro-economic/societal level • Resource conservation • Supply security • Responsible sourcing • CO2 footprint • Environmental protection

Micro-economic level • Product type & composition • Market prices of metals • Recycling performance • Economies of Scale

Addressed in CRM-Act, NKWS & other policy initiatives but so far without a ‚price tag‘

Consider • societal benefits • externalised costs for society Indirect impacts: • Collection infrastructure • External collection incentives (e.g. leasing, deposits, …)

• Legislation / monitoring / enforcement • Business model for product (B2C, B2B) • Stakeholder behaviour & motivation (Consumers, OEMs/EPR culture, distributors, recyclers)

Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

18

Annex

Development of precious metals contents in electronics (Ø-values) Motherboards Au (ppm)

300

Ag (ppm)

1500

200

1000

80

100

500

40

0 2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

0 2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

0 2000

Au (ppm)

Ag (ppm)

4000

300

3000

200

2000

100

1000

0 2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

Quelle: Umicore market knowledge dbase

Mobile phones (without battery) 400

Pd (ppm)

120

0 2000

Pd (ppm)

150 100 50

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

0 2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

Some phones already on market with < 100 ppm Au & motherboards < 50 ppm Au 19 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Annex

Metal price volatility: significant impact on recycling value Price development Au, Ag, Pd & Pt 1988-2025/05

20 Christian Hagelüken, SPRIND Innovators Day Berlin, 10.9.25

Aurubis AG Metals for Progress SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation Innovators’ Day

Torben EDENS, Berlin, 10 September 2025

Final products Characteristics

Copper - the material for modern life recycling is increasing, but not enough to cover all copper demand

Aurubis

High electrical conductivity

High thermal conductivity

» Electric motors

» Air conditioners

» Cables and wires

» Heat exchanger

» Microchips

» Kitchen appliances

» Transformers

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

» Brake pads

High resistance

» Sanitary installation » Piping » Roofs and facades » Coins

Typical Lifespans of Copper Products Building and Construction: Copper pipes, roofing, cladding: ~50–100 years These products are often embedded in infrastructure and have long service lives due to copper’s corrosion resistance and durability.

Electrical Applications: Wiring in buildings: ~30–50 years, Consumer electronics: ~5–10 years Electrical components tend to have shorter lifespans due to rapid technological turnover.

Transport Sector: Copper in vehicles (e.g., wiring harnesses): ~10–20 years Industrial Equipment: Machinery and heavy-duty applications: ~20–40 years Often reused or refurbished, extending effective life.

Other Uses (e.g., coins, cookware, art): Highly variable, often decades or even centuries in some cases.

The recycled copper supply is delayed, creating a time lag between production and recovery.

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Satala Aphrodite - Production date 1stC BC - British Museum

Strong global macro trends drive growth in recycling markets Recycling market trends

Aurubis

Multipolar business world

Growth in emerging countries will outpace Western countries

More complex materials

Rising number of elements and decreasing metal content in primary & recycling raw materials

Increasing recycling efforts

Stricter legislation and increasing consumer awareness regarding sustainability

Local handling of recycling materials

Developing countries are reducing or banning imports of waste materials from the Western world

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Global Copper Demand Primary vs Secondary Recycling?

Copper is 100% recyclable without loss of properties: 32% of global copper demand is met through recycling. (Aurubis cathodes contain 45 % recycled copper) Two-thirds of all copper ever mined is still in use today.

This high recyclability means that copper often re-enters the production cycle multiple times, effectively extending its functional lifetime across generations of products.

Source: Wood Mackenzie - Global copper strategic planning outlook Q2 2025

As the world continues to develop, the demand for copper is growing rapidly.

This demand cannot be met by recycling alone.

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

The International Copper Association

How is copper produced?

H2SO4

Primary Ore

Hydrometallurgy Mining

Leaching

Solvent Extraction

Milling Flotation

Smelting

Converting

Electrowinning

Fire Refining

Electrolytic Refining

Cathode Copper

Secondary Scrap

Sampling Shredder Pyrometallurgy H2SO4

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ni, Se, Te

Recycling process

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Aurubis: we are experts for metals.

> 7,000 x Successful in

20 countries on

passion and engagement

3 continents

One of the worldwide leading companies in copper recycling

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

about

1 million t of recycling materials is processed by Aurubis on a yearly basis

159

years

experience in the production of nonferrous metals

20

different metals are recovered by Aurubis

Our strategy builds on the sound mission of Aurubis and covers all relevant aspects to drive sustainable growth Secure Core Business

Strengthen Core Business

Pursue Growth Options

Industry Leadership in Sustainability Enablers  Digitalization, automation, and “Plant of the Future”  Strategic resource management, talent and personnel development

It is our mission to responsibly transform raw materials into metals for an innovative and sustainable world.

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Aurubis production sites Headquarters

Primary Copper

Recycling/Precious Metals

Hamburg

Pirdop

Lünen

Olen

Copper Products

Richmond

Hamburg (DE) Beerse (BE) Olen (BE)

Lünen (DE)

Under construction

Beerse

Berango (ES)

Pirdop (BG)

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Berango

Recycling Network

Copper & alloy scrap

PCBs & electronics

Shredder

Precious metal

Residues, slimes & sludges

Copper iron & bimetals

Tin scrap

Beerse

Belgium

X

X

X

X

X

Berango

Spain

X

X

X

X

X

Hamburg

Germany

X

X

Lünen

Germany

X

X

X

X

X

Olen

Belgium

X

Pirdop

Bulgaria

X

Richmond

USA

X

X

Aurubis

New

X

X X

Richmond – Secondary Copper Smelter Recycling dedicated to Printed Cardboards

Off-gas cleaning

Sampling, Blending

PbSn-alloy ingots

Slag holding furnace

Granulated slag

TBRC

Black copper ingots Aurubis

PbSn-alloy furnace

Lünen – Secondary Copper Smelter Recycling dedicated for copper scraps without sulphur

Abgasreinigung

Schwarzkupfer 80 %

TSL

Zinkoxid Eisensilikatsand

Aurubis

Konverterkupfer 95 %

TBRC

Nickelsulfat Kupfersulfat

Anode Anodengießanlage

Abgasreinigung Altkupfer

Schlämme Rückstände E-Schrott

Probenahme, Materialvorbereitung

KRS Kayser Recycling System

Kupferelektrolyse

Blei-ZinnLegierung

Anodenofen

Anodenschlamm

Kathode

Edelmetallgewinnung

Hamburg – Primary Copper Smelter dedicated to Cu-sulphides and Scraps

Sulfuric acid plant

Wasch- &Kühlanlage Washing & Cooling section

Kontaktanlage Contact plant

Sulfuric acid (94-98 % H2SO4)

E-scrap

Aurubis

Hamburg – Secondary Lead and PM-Smelter dedicated to Cu-Pb-separation and Precious Metal Extraction

Aurubis

Electronic Waste Recycling Challenges E-waste contains over 1,000 different chemicals, including heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants, and plastics. Improper handling releases toxic substances.

• Collection, sorting and sampling are important parts of the recycling process: •

Creating many fractions spreads valuable metals and reduces recovery rates because selectivity is not unlimited.

•

Improper sampling jeopardizes business.

• Extractive copper pyrometallurgy offers high recovery rates for many metals (Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Se, Te, Sn, Zn) and bromides.

•

The plastics are burned, producing CO2 and heat.

•

The fiberglass is slagged.

•

Unfortunately, the rare earth elements are lost in the slag.

• Hydrometallurgy is often very selective, but extracting only one metal and leaving the residue for further (pyro)processing is not attractive.

Recycling is a complex process that needs a holistic view concerning environment (air, water), legistaltion, technology and economics.

Aurubis

SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation - Innovators' Day

Aurubis AG Metals for Progress SPRIND Tech-Metal Transformation Innovators’ Day

Torben EDENS, Berlin, 10 September 2025

YANG Guang auf der NordArt 2025