High Temperature Plasma for Converting Industrial Byproducts into Critical Raw Materials

Critical Raw Materials (CRM) are in the political spotlight due to their key role in the green and digital transition and geopolitical developments. The European CRM value chain is threatened by limited availability, high prices and dependence on few suppliers, specially from China and other third countries. Industrialization, population growth, and economic activities are putting a strain on natural resources and escalating waste production. In response to this critical situation, Refacture presents a disruptive, high-temperature plasma (HTP) process to transform the CRM and other strategic materials markets. By innovatively recovering them from industrial waste, our modular approach not only addresses the environmental and economic issues but also sets a new standard in resource efficiency. With Refacture process we are one step closer to a truly circular economy. The first pilot will use spent-pot-lining (SPL, aluminium hazardous waste) as feedstock to produce materials such as silicon carbide, aluminium fluoride, synthetic graphite, and green building materials, significantly decreasing costs and environmental impacts of traditional methods. But our vision embraces the “release” of several high value materials/CRM currently trapped inside industrial byproducts.