Understand what urban mining is and learn how the country’s largest project works

Ambipar’s urban mining project in São José dos Campos (Photo: Disclosure). Recovery of valuable materials from electronic waste combines sustainability and innovation; Ambipar leads the initiative in Latin America.

247 – Urban mining, a concept that combines sustainability and technology to recover valuable materials from electronic waste, has gained significant momentum in Brazil. On Wednesday (27), the Brazilian multinational Ambipar, a global leader in environmental solutions, inaugurated the largest urban mining plant in Latin America in São José dos Campos (SP). The initiative expands the processing capacity of waste from 30,000 to 80,000 tons annually, consolidating the country as an important hub for the circular economy.

Urban mining is an innovative solution that seeks to transform technological waste into sources of valuable materials, such as precious metals and other essential resources. Unlike traditional mining, which extracts these materials directly from nature, urban mining recovers resources from discarded products like mobile phones, computers, household appliances, and even batteries. It is a model that not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused.

How did the concept of urban mining emerge?

The term “urban mining” began to be used in the 1980s when studies started to identify the economic and environmental potential of recovering metals and other components from urban solid waste. The idea gained strength in recent years with advancements in recycling technology and the exponential growth of electronic waste worldwide.

According to the UN’s Global E-Waste Monitor, the planet generated 53.6 million tons of electronic waste in 2019, but less than 20% was recycled. These wastes contain precious metals in concentrations higher than those found in conventional mines. For example, a ton of printed circuit boards can contain up to 800 grams of gold, while a ton of raw ore typically yields only 5 grams.

Additionally, urban mining helps mitigate the negative impacts of traditional mining, such as deforestation and contamination of ecosystems, while meeting the growing demand for essential materials for modern technology, such as copper, aluminum, and lithium.

The largest urban mining project in Latin America

In Brazil, urban mining received a significant boost with the inauguration of the largest plant in the sector in Latin America, led by the multinational Ambipar. Located in São José dos Campos (SP), the unit began operations on Wednesday (27) and expanded its processing capacity from 30,000 to 80,000 tons annually.

With an investment of R$ 100 million, the plant specializes in reverse manufacturing of electronic products and the so-called white goods, such as stoves, microwaves, and washing machines. The materials extracted include plastic, iron, copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and electronic boards, which are reintegrated into the economy.

“Our goal is to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and soil contamination. The process of recovery and proper treatment of this type of waste helps preserve natural resources and avoids the extraction of new raw materials needed for industry,” explained Marcelo Oliveira, Head of Ambipar Environment’s urban mining unit.

Data security and technological innovation

Among the plant’s differentiators is the implementation of a secure system for handling devices with confidential data, such as mobile phones and computers. These devices are shredded into particles ranging from 1 to 8 millimeters, ensuring complete destruction of stored data. The entire process is monitored and audited, providing security for businesses and consumers.

The plant’s expansion is aligned with the goals of the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), which sets targets for the collection and recycling of electronic waste. However, Brazil still faces challenges in this field. Only a fraction of the 2.4 million tons of electronic waste generated annually is recycled. Initiatives like Ambipar’s are crucial to changing this reality by promoting sustainability and the reuse of valuable resources.

Urban mining represents a revolution in how electronic waste is handled, transforming environmental liabilities into economic assets. With projects like Ambipar’s, Brazil positions itself at the forefront of the circular economy.

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