Flash Metals USA Advances Critical Minerals Recovery Plant in Texas

Flash Metals USA Advances Critical Minerals Recovery Plant in Texas

Flash Metals USA, a subsidiary of Metallium Limited (ASX: MTM; OTCQX: MTMCF), has announced significant progress at its Technology Campus in Chambers County, Texas. The site will host its first commercial Flash Joule Heating (FJH) metal recovery plant in the U.S., aiming for commissioning by December 2025. This plant represents a key milestone in scaling innovative, sustainable recovery of critical metals from electronic waste and mining concentrates.

The Flash Joule Heating method, initially developed by Rice University researchers, revolutionizes metal recovery by using rapid heating to extract precious metals such as rhodium, palladium, gold, and silver. Metallium has expanded its technology to process a diverse range of feedstocks, including antimony, rare earth element (REE) magnets, and heavy REE-enriched e-scrap. Their recent performance metrics show exceptional recovery rates: 100% for gold, 97% for silver, and 98% for antimony, well above typical ore standards.

Commercial Readiness and Strategic Infrastructure Development

Metallium has made strides beyond technology development by securing a Texas site and advancing critical infrastructure upgrades. The company is completing air and water quality permits and has partnered with VaporPoint to ensure rigorous environmental monitoring and compliance. Engineering firm Hunt, Guillot & Associates supports the project’s plant integration and structural design, while local utility Entergy Texas finalizes power arrangements. Notably, the company procured 60 tonnes of printed circuit board scrap, a vital commissioning feedstock, further de-risking the project.

CEO Michael Walshe emphasized the modular design of the FJH system, which allows rapid expansion across the U.S., especially near major e-waste collection centers. This approach will help Metallium scale its metals recovery operations efficiently, positioning it as a leader in sustainable, domestic refining of critical and precious metals.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Metallium’s Texas plant marks a critical step toward domestic, environmentally responsible recovery of metals essential to modern technologies. As global supply chains face growing pressures and geopolitical risks, U.S.-based solutions like Flash Metals’ FJH technology offer strategic resilience. The project’s modularity and impressive recovery rates suggest strong potential for rapid deployment nationwide, supporting both the electric vehicle and electronics sectors. Industry watchers should closely monitor how regulatory permitting and feedstock sourcing evolve, as these will influence the plant’s commercial viability and expansion pace.