ESGL files provisional patent for acidic waste metal recovery technology

ESGL Holdings Ltd., a Singapore-based environmental technology company, has filed a patent application through its subsidiary Environmental Solutions Asia Pte Ltd. for proprietary technology recovering precious metals from acidic waste streams that arise from semiconductor production. The filing follows more than two years of research and development efforts.

Using a combination of high-temperature treatment and advanced resin systems, the technology recovers precious metal concentrates from semiconductor acid waste. The concentrates are later refined into pure precious metals by partner refineries.

Market research has demonstrated the value and anticipated growth of the global precious metals e-scrap recovery market through 2032. Valued at $20.76 billion in 2024, Market Research Future reports steady growth for the sector in the next decade. According to ESGL, this represents an opportunity to participate in and integrate the value chain of precious-metal recovery and high-value acid-based waste streams.

“This patent filing marks an important milestone in strengthening the protection of our technology,” ESGL Executive Director Lawrence Law says. “By turning semiconductor waste into valuable precious metal concentrates, we’ve proven that innovation can go hand in hand with sustainability and economic value creation.”

ESGL says it will further explore opportunities to apply the technology across industrial sectors.