Metallium Expands US Footprint with New E-Waste Sites in Massachusetts and Virginia

Metallium Ltd. (ASX: MTM, OTCQX: MTMCF) is expanding its footprint in the United States with exclusive options to lease two new sites in Massachusetts and Virginia that are already fully permitted for electronic waste processing. This development is part of Metallium’s plan to scale up deployment and commercialization of its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) metal recovery systems beyond its flagship site in Texas, which is on track to begin commissioning later this year.

The newly targeted locations are in Westport, Massachusetts, at Mid-City Scrap’s metals campus, and in Harrisonburg, Virginia, at Recycle Management LLC’s recycling facility. Both sites are established centers for metal scrap processing, each handling more than 20,000 tons of metal waste monthly. The Virginia site’s proximity to the Northern Virginia data center corridor, a major hub for hyperscale and telecom infrastructure, could give Metallium access to valuable streams of e-waste linked to these industries. Importantly, these sites come with existing state and federal permits for industrial waste and e-waste processing. That removes much of the regulatory uncertainty and delay that typically slows recycling ventures in the U.S., allowing Metallium to potentially move more quickly into operational phases at these sites.

Michael Walshe, Managing Director and CEO of Metallium, emphasized the importance of their Texas facility in this broader expansion strategy. He described Texas as the company’s clear priority but sees these lease options as proof the business model there can be replicated in other states with minimal upfront expense, by leveraging sites that are already infrastructure-rich and regulatory-ready. Walshe also highlighted how Metallium’s well-established industry relationships have unlocked access to these high-quality opportunities, which might not be available otherwise. He noted this growing multi-state presence will allow Metallium to accelerate scale-up as feedstock volumes and partnerships develop, while also supporting ongoing dialogues with U.S. government agencies and efforts to secure non-dilutive financing. 

Metallium’s Texas plant is preparing to commission its first commercial-scale facility by the end of 2025, marking a milestone in the company’s ambition to revolutionize how critical and precious metals are recovered from mineral concentrates and waste streams. The company’s proprietary Flash Joule Heating technology offers a low-carbon, high-efficiency alternative to traditional metal extraction methods. It uses rapid electrical pulses to heat materials intensely within milliseconds, enabling rapid extraction of metals such as gallium, germanium, antimony, rare earth elements, and gold from sources like refinery scrap, monazite, and electronic waste.

The technology’s advantages include higher recovery rates with significantly reduced chemical usage and energy consumption compared to conventional smelting or hydrometallurgical processes. Metallium has demonstrated impressive extraction performance with U.S. sourced e-waste, achieving 98% antimony recovery and nearly complete gold recovery at concentrations far exceeding typical ore grades. Such results underscore the scalability and potential cost-effectiveness of the FJH approach as the company prepares for broader commercial deployment. 

By securing these new sites in Massachusetts and Virginia, Metallium is strategically positioning itself close to major e-waste supply chains while avoiding the lengthy permitting challenges often associated with waste processing projects. Co-location at operating scrap yards with high throughput further supports operational synergies and access to feedstock. The Virginia facility’s location near the Northern Virginia data center corridor offers access to e-waste streams from the hyperscale data center and telecom sectors, which are increasingly important sources of high-value, critical metals embedded in discarded electronics.

In addition to progressing its Texas site, which has seen significant developments in infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and technical integration, Metallium’s expansion reflects a methodical approach to scaling a modular and adaptable technology platform across multiple U.S. states. The company aims to build a solid foundation for metals recovery that addresses growing global demand for critical materials vital to electronics, green technologies, and clean energy applications.

Metallium’s move to broaden its operational footprint at pre-permitted sites demonstrates a pragmatic approach to growth, reducing some of the risks typically associated with greenfield recycling projects. CEO Michael Walshe’s comments suggest confidence in a replication strategy that leverages existing infrastructure and permits, which could allow the company to more swiftly meet rising feedstock volumes and enhance ties with government partners focused on critical materials supply chains.

Overall, Metallium is stepping steadily toward commercializing a cutting-edge technology that not only promises efficient metal recovery but also aligns with environmental and sustainability goals increasingly prioritized in the mining and recycling sectors.