Most Critical Raw Materials ('CRMs') are still not recovered from electrical, electronic, and industrial waste. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, export restrictions, and shrinking primary mining threaten supply security. To build a resilient supply chain, CRITICAL. is developing Urban Mining Factories to maximize recovery of these materials from e-waste and industrial residues.
CRITICAL. is part of the CLOSER consortium, aiming to establish a closed loop for the EU's semiconductor sector.
CLOSER is an EU-funded i3 project, that bridges the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act and the Chips Act.
Our configuration of proven mechanical technologies enables very clean separation of plastics, glass and metals from waste Printed Circuit Boards and waste Solar Panels. The pure extraction of metals benefits the chemical process, as fewer impurities mean less energy and chemicals are required.
Green chemical recovery.
Many waste streams contain CRMs at yields too low for economic recovery. We address this by developing unique Green Chemistry flow sheets that combine high- and low-yield streams to achieve viable recovery rates. CRITICAL. is the only company building truly diversified refining capacity — and we’re setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Real circularity.
Our processes reclaim (Critical) Raw Materials from Electronic and Industrial waste, enabling reuse in the semiconductor and energy sectors. In doing so, we help preserve our planet’s ecosystems while easing the pressure on natural resources — ensuring a Circular Economy that protects both Earth and industry.
(Critical) Raw Materials. Phase 1, ready Q2 2027
Precious Metals
The high value of the high-purity gold, silver, palladium and platinum we produce, will allow us to recover much less valuable elements as well. In our opinion all elements are worth recovering.
Copper and more
In essence, we become a copper producer with a rich by-catch of other elements, such as: aluminium, iron, cobalt, lead, nickel and tin in Phase 1. From Phase 2, starting in 2028, we will add more elements.
