SA mining giant builds integrated recycling platform

Sibanye-Stillwater has combined several recently acquired recycling businesses into a single global platform. This is meant to strengthen its position in the precious metals recycling sector.

The move follows the acquisition of US-based precious metals recycler Reldan and Reldan Mexico in March 2024, as well as US recycling specialist Metallix in September 2025. These businesses now operate alongside Sibanye-Stillwater’s existing Columbus autocatalyst recycling facility in the US.

Sibanye-Stillwater spent a total of EUR 247 million to acquire these recycling operations.

End-to-end recovery possible

The new platform will recover many metals including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium and iridium. Company ceo Richard Stewart says it will create a more connected recycling network capable of processing increasingly complex waste streams while managing very high recovery rates.

The acquisitions also create a more diversified recycling business. Reldan brings expertise in electronic scrap, jewellery materials and industrial residues, while Metallix is known for processing complex precious metal-bearing waste streams. Columbus Autocat Recycling adds significant autocatalyst recycling capacity.

‘As a result, we can now offer end-to-end recovery and refining services across multiple precious metals sectors,’ Stewart adds.

Recycling gains strategic importance

Stewart explains the combined business offers precious metals recovery, refining and analytical services through a growing international network. Refining operations are located in the United States and India, while processing and commercial activities extend across Asia and other global markets.

The new platform also benefits from long-standing customer relationships across the electronics, automotive, jewellery and industrial sectors.

‘The consolidation comes as demand for critical and precious metals continues to rise,’ Stewart notes. ‘Manufacturers increasingly seek secondary sources of raw materials to support supply security and sustainability goals.’

Focus on circular supply chains

Sibanye-Stillwater believes recycling will play an increasingly important role in supplying metals needed for industrial production, electronics and clean-energy technologies.

Sibanye-Stillwater plans to keep investing in recycling technology and processing capabilities, aiming to expand its presence in the global circular economy. Stewart is confident that combining the expertise of Reldan, Metallix and Columbus Autocat Recycling ‘provides a foundation for future growth’ in sustainable precious metals recovery.