A Billion-Euro Treasure in Waste – Finnish Company Develops a Solution to the Critical Raw Materials Shortage

The circular economy company Zero Mine Solutions Oy, founded by Alva-yhtiöt Oy, Elker Ltd., and Tapojärvi Oy, has developed patented and scalable technology that enables the recovery of critical raw materials from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

The green transition, digitalization, and the defense industry rely on critical raw materials, for which Europe is largely dependent on imports. A Finnish solution can accelerate the recycling of valuable metals and strengthen Europe’s self-sufficiency and security of supply. The circular economy company Zero Mine Solutions Oy, founded by Alva-yhtiöt Oy, Elker Ltd. and Tapojärvi Oy, has developed patented and scalable technology that enables the recovery of critical raw materials from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Thanks to its leaching-based process, the recycled metals are pure and of high quality. 

The €78 Billion Global Potential of WEEE Recycling

Globally, an estimated €78 billion worth of WEEE is generated annually, of which only one-quarter** is effectively recovered. Zero Mine is introducing a solution that enables a closed-loop system for devices and components containing critical metals. 

“Our goal is to elevate the recycling of critical raw materials to a new level and ensure that valuable metals return to industrial use instead of being lost or processed through environmentally unsustainable recycling. This is not only an environmental issue but also makes strong economic and geopolitical sense,” says Risto Ryymin, Acting CEO of Zero Mine. 

Zero Mine’s technology initially enables the efficient and high-purity recovery of gold, copper, silver, and palladium. In the future, the method will be expanded to separate rare earth elements (REEs) such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium from feed materials. These critical rare earths are essential for renewable energy production, electric vehicles, and the electronics industry. 

“Europe has enormous potential to improve its security of supply by effectively utilizing WEEE,” Ryymin continues. 

Flagship Project Planned in Jyväskylä

Zero Mine is planning a pre-commercial recycling plant in Jyväskylä, which is currently in the design, permitting, and feasibility assessment phase. Once operational, the facility will initially focus on processing printed circuit boards from end-of-life devices and recovering the valuable metals they contain. 

“In addition to ongoing permitting and plant and process design, we are exploring financing options for the implementation of the pre-commercial facility. At the same time, we are working with international partners to resolve a few key process development questions. Our goal is to bring the pre-commercial plant into production by 2029,” Ryymin explains. 

The public consultation on the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) program is currently underway. 

** Source: United Nations E-Waste Monitor Report, 2022 

Further information: 
https://zeromine.fi 

Media contacts: 
Zero Mine Solutions Oy 
viestinta@alva.fi 
Merja Tuunanen, Communications and Sustainability Manager, +358 40 621 5747 

Zero Mine is a circular economy pioneer company created through the collaboration of Alva-yhtiöt Oy, Elker Ltd., and Tapojärvi Oy, which “mines metals without mining.” The company represents Finnish expertise and a concrete solution for strengthening Europe’s security of supply and resource efficiency. Zero Mine’s patented technology separates critical metals from electronic waste and returns them to industry as clean and high-quality resources – again and again. 

Takaisin