Scrap dust is a source of valuable materials – the side stream of the metal crushing process is compressed into easy-to-use pellets

Kajaani Romu has pressed pellets from the side streams of the metal crushing process, the analyses of which have revealed that the fine fractions of electrical and electronic scrap contain significant amounts of valuable metals.

Initial research results show that the pellets contain, among other things, gold, silver and palladium in significantly higher concentrations than mined ore.

Value walks in the dust

According to the company, utilizing the dust and fines generated in recycling processes will have a major impact on the self-sufficiency of Finland and the entire EU.

Compressed into pellet form, side streams are logistically easier to manage and dust-free.

"Metal once taken from nature must not end up as waste," emphasizes the Chief Operating Officer of the Kajaani Romu Group. Niko Nyyssonen.

“When we studied the side streams and saw the actual precious metal concentrations, we realized what a huge opportunity we had in our hands.”

Research continues as part of an EU project

The study of side streams continues as part of the EU Even Closer projectto which Kajaani Romu has been invited.

The three-year project will investigate the metal potential of side streams of electrical and electronic waste, develop new recovery methods, and build an entire value chain.

The University of Tampere and a sustainability expert company are also participating in the project coordinated by the University of Calabria from Finland. Safetyneer.

Self-sufficiency for the EU

The project supports the Union's self-sufficiency strategy, which reduces Europe's dependence on imported metals and promotes a circular economy in the sector.

"The limited availability of natural resources is forcing us to move to a circular economy and global markets are changing. That is why the EU wants to secure production through recycling," explains the postdoctoral researcher. Antero Hirvensalo from the University of Tampere.

“This project builds technical, logistical and legislative capabilities that will be used in the future.”

“Everything revolves, and nothing is lost”

For years, Kajaani Scrap has been developing technologies that can recover over 99% of scrap. Taking over side streams is the next big step on the path towards waste-free metal recycling.

The Finnish company's long-term vision is to be the first urban mine in Europe to achieve a 100% utilization rate.

“We are on the verge of a breakthrough,” says Niko Nyyssönen.

“I believe that within a year or two we will be able to commercialize a solution where no waste is generated from the side streams of the process. Then what we have been striving for for a long time will come true: everything circulates and nothing is lost.”

Text: Päivi Ikonen, Kemiamedia.fi

Photo: Kajaanin Romu. The side streams from the crushing process of electrical and electronic waste contain significant amounts of valuable metals, says Niko Nyyssönen, Operations Director of Kajaanin Romu.