Recycling and Refining
Recycling rare PGMs to support a circular economy
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are among the world's rarest resources. Furuya Metal contributes to the advancement of a circular economy through proprietary recycling and refining technologies for precious metals, including PGMs.
In particular, we specialize in the recycling of iridium and ruthenium, two exceptionally rare metals that are difficult to recycle. Our recycling capacity for both metals is equivalent to or greater than their respective annual mine production volumes.
Market needs
Rising precious metal prices
In recent years, precious metal prices have risen to unprecedented levels. As precious metals are indispensable materials for a wide range of industrial applications, the need for recycling continues to grow in order to support industry, society, and people's daily lives.
Establishing a stable supply system
Iridium, ruthenium, platinum, and other PGMs are indispensable materials used across a wide range of applications, including electronic component manufacturing, medical applications, and catalysts. Demand for these materials is expected to continue expanding in the years ahead. To ensure a stable supply of these scarce resources, it is essential not only to secure a stable supply from mines in South Africa, a major producing country for PGMs, but also to maintain large-scale refining capacity.
Recovery and refining from low-grade materials
To support the realization of a circular economy and promote the effective reuse of scarce PGM resources, there is a growing need to recover and refine precious metals from low-grade materials and other challenging recycling materials.
Furuya Metal’s strengths
01
Advanced refining technology
Furuya Metal is capable of rapidly refining large volumes of iridium and ruthenium, two metals that are particularly difficult to refine. Furthermore, our proprietary recycling technology enables purification to exceptionally high purity levels exceeding 99.995%.
02
Recycling capacity
Furuya Metal possesses one of the world's largest recycling capacities for iridium and ruthenium. Our facilities are capable of recycling volumes equivalent to or greater than the annual mine production of these metals. This exceptional refining and recycling capability is one of our core strengths.
03
Recovery and refining from low-grade materials
Furuya Metal is capable of efficiently recovering PGMs and refining them to high purity levels from a wide range of materials, from high-grade materials to low-grade materials.
Our business model
Iridium and ruthenium are indispensable materials used across a wide range of applications, including electronic component manufacturing, medical applications, and catalysts, and demand for these metals is expected to continue growing. To ensure a stable supply of these scarce resources, Furuya Metal has established a robust procurement network through direct agreements with mining companies in South Africa, one of the world's leading producers of PGMs.
In addition, we maximize the value of these rare and precious resources through our advanced processing and recycling technologies. By creating a closed-loop system that enables the circulation of precious metal resources from procurement through reuse, we have established what we call the "Link Business Model." Through this model, we contribute to the realization of a circular economy.
Examples of materials accepted for recycling and refining
- Spent crucibles, sheets, and wires
- Spent sputtering targets
- Spent thermocouples
- Precious metal-containing refractories, spent catalysts, sputtering shields, and alloys
Contact Us
For inquiries or consultations regarding our products and technologies, please feel free to contact us.
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