IperionX and Aperam partner to demonstrate a circular titanium supply chain
July 3, 2024
IperionX Limited, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and Aperam Recycling (Aperam), through its American entity ELG Utica Alloys (ELG), have signed an agreement for a titanium processing and product manufacturing programme. This partnership is intended to demonstrate IperionX’s fully circular and sustainable titanium supply chain solution, turning titanium scrap into high-performance titanium products for advanced industries.
Under this partnership, IperionX will use its patented titanium technologies to upcycle up to 12 metric tons of titanium scrap produced from the consumer electronics sector to manufacture a range of high-performance titanium products. IperionX will initially upcycle 1 metric ton of titanium scrap into high-grade titanium powder and then manufacture a range of titanium near-net shapes for specific parts, as well as plate, rod and wire products.
Aperam is focused on advancing the circular economy and is reputed to be a global leader in stainless, electrical and specialty steel and recycling. ELG, part of Aperam Recycling, is a global entity focused on sourcing and processing titanium, stainless steel and super alloys, processing over 1 million tons of metal annually.
Titanium is currently sourced over long distances from high-cost supply chains with traceability issues, explains IperionX. Titanium manufacturing generates high volumes of titanium scrap metal, such as cuttings and turnings, that is often downcycled to the ferro-titanium market. IperionX’s ‘end-to-end’ titanium supply chain solution can unlock new sources of titanium feedstocks, including scrap titanium and US titanium minerals, to re-shore domestic titanium production and manufacture lower cost and more sustainable high-performance titanium products.
Carsten Becker, ELG Utica Alloys CEO said, “We are pleased to announce our extended partnership with IperionX that will pioneer a fully circular titanium supply chain. This agreement with IperionX will ensure that more titanium is recycled and stays in a closed loop to reduce carbon emissions, advancing Aperam’s sustainability goals.”
“This important partnership with ELG will advance a more sustainable, fully circular and traceable US titanium supply chain. Our new Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia provides us with the full capability to process titanium scrap feedstocks and manufacture high-performance titanium products for advanced industries,” Anastasios (Taso) Arima, IperionX CEO stated.
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