RCM is a clean-tech metals recovery company based on Minnesota’s Iron Range. We reclaim critical metals from electronic waste (e-waste) and other sources using environmentally safe, state-of-the-art mechanical separation technologies. Our process avoids smelting, toxic chemicals and harmful emissions while creating a domestic alternative to shipping shredded e-waste overseas for processing.
Smelting is the most common method for extracting critical metals from e-waste. RCM’s mechanical separation method is:
RCM’s mailing address is PO Box 1285, Virginia, MN 55792, with operations based on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Our facility is strategically located to bring e-waste processing back to the U.S., creating local jobs and supporting regional economic growth while promoting environmentally sustainable recycling practices.
RCM plans to initially employ a mechanical separation process that eliminates the need for smelting, liquid chemicals or harmful emissions. The process begins by purchasing shredded e-waste from certified Midwest recyclers, further reducing the size, shredding e-waste into smaller components, followed by the separation of metals from non-metallic materials using magnets, eddy currents, optical sensors, air classifiers and other physical methods. The result is high-purity metal streams that are ready for resale or industrial use, all achieved through a safe and environmentally sustainable approach.
RCM will benefit the local community in several ways. By training and employing the local workforce for advanced e-waste processing, the company creates meaningful job opportunities in the region. Its operations also repatriates high-value metal recovery to Minnesota, reducing reliance on overseas smelters and strengthening the local economy. RCM promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing pollution and supporting sustainable supply chains.
Reclaiming Critical Metals (RCM) LLC is a start-up business working to establish a facility on the Iron Range in 1-2 years.
We seek to collaborate with a wide range of partners, including investors who support clean-tech and domestic recycling initiatives, as well as certified e-waste recyclers seeking local processing solutions for their shredded e-waste. RCM also works with governments and NGOs promoting sustainability and engages with metal buyers and industrial users looking for critical metals, fostering partnerships that advance environmental and economic goals.
Only 20% of global e-waste is currently recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerated, or illegally exported, contributing to pollution, health risks and losing $63 billion dollars in recoverable metals annually. Currently, 90% of shredded e-waste from U.S. recyclers is shipped overseas for smelting to recover critical metals. RCM brings this processing back to the U.S., creating local jobs and providing sustainable, efficient recovery of valuable metals.
RCM is capable of recovering a wide range of critical metals commonly found in e-waste. This includes base metals such as iron, copper, nickel and aluminum, as well as precious metals like gold and palladium. In addition, RCM can extract other specialty metals that are essential for electronics, electric vehicles, aerospace and defense applications, providing a valuable domestic source for these materials.
RCM was founded by four experienced professionals with complementary expertise and strong ties to the Iron Range, each owning 25% of the company.
RCM’s process is better for the environment because it does not use toxic chemicals, produce harmful emissions and requires no incineration or overseas smelting. It follows strict industry certification and MPCA standards for e-waste processing, ensuring full regulatory compliance, while also supporting regional sustainability goals and broader ESG initiatives.
RCM seeks partners to advance sustainable e-waste recycling. We will consider partnerships with metal buyers in the green technology, electric vehicles, aerospace and defense sectors, as well as certified recycling service providers for shredded feedstock, and local governments. RCM will also collaborate with OEMs and electronics manufacturers seeking sustainable sourcing solutions and will partner with investors and grant programs that support clean-tech initiatives and regional economic development.
Stay connected with RCM by visiting our website for the latest updates and announcements. For professional inquiries, you can fill our contact form or email us at info@reclaimingcriticalmetals.com.
RCM has completed initial research and is developing bio-inspired methods for further refining.