The Valuable Metals & Materials That Can Be Recovered From Your Mine, Refinery or Power Plant

If you’re an archaeologist, you get to jump into tombs and find forgotten treasures. If you’re a geologist, you get to break open geodes and uncover hidden gems. 

And if you’re Richmond Steel, you get to salvage buildings and recover valuable metals. (We don’t always feel like Indiana Jones, but scouring a site for every hidden scrap of usable metal does come with a certain satisfaction.)

For our clients, the most interesting part is not the scrap metal that is recovered, but the potential value that is recovered. Mines, mills, power plants, and other industrial sites are often filled with valuable materials that we will purchase for recycling after the recovery process.

Ferrous & Non-Ferrous: Valuable Info About Valuable Metals

All of the metal that we recover from a site can be categorized into two categories: ferrous or non-ferrous. The distinction between them is straightforward, but their uses are quite different.

ferrous vs non ferrous material recovery

Ferrous Metals 

A ‘ferrous’ metal is one that has a significant amount of iron in its composition. It’s all about iron content. Unsurprisingly, ‘ferrous’ comes from the Latin word for iron. 

Iron based alloys—such as cast iron and steel—all fall into this category of ferrous metals.

Steel is the most popular and most widely used ferrous metal in the construction industry. It’s strong and incredibly durable. Steel accounts for most of the volume we recover from sites. It’s commonly found in everything from structural beams and columns, to steel siding, ductwork, and many other places.

Since steel doesn’t lose its physical properties during the recycling process, it can continuously be recovered, recycled, and reused for the same applications. 

ferrous metal recovery in mines

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals contain no iron. They are much lighter, more malleable, and more conductive than ferrous metals. Since non-ferrous metals contain no iron, they also naturally have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion.

Magnetism is another factor. While most ferrous metals will attract magnets, non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic—making them a key component in electronic applications and wiring.

Similar to steel, non-ferrous metals can continuously be recycled because they don’t degrade or lose their chemical properties during the recycling process.

There’s a variety of non-ferrous metals that can be recovered from a site:

ferrous metals recovery in mines

Why Purchase and Recycle Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals 

Recycling metals just makes sense. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals are energy-intensive to mine, but relatively efficient to recycle. 

Here’s a shocking example: the energy required to extract copper is about 100 GJ/tonne. But when it comes to recycling copper, it takes about 10% of that amount.

Ferrous metals tend to be cheaper and are typically purchased by the ton. These metals are more abundant on earth and large quantities are often salvaged from most sites. 

Non-ferrous metals can be quite rare and purchased by the pound. While aluminum is one of the most recycled materials in the world, other non-ferrous materials are more scarce. The high demand for non-ferrous metals means a strong reliance on scrap metal recycling. 

Similar to the stock market, the price for scrap metal adjusts daily with supply and demand. Pricing will mostly depend on when you sell, and how much you have to recycle.

Our On-Site Process for Identifying Valuable Materials

When we assess a site, our team takes time to locate and identify all potential sources of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Whenever possible, we examine every corner. Our evaluation process allows us to categorize and prioritize the recovery of everything from structural beams to electrical systems, ensuring no valuable material is overlooked. 

When it comes to heavy equipment, motors, and large pieces of machinery (gearboxes, conveyors, shaker tables, etc.) our estimators will identify whether it’s more profitable for you to sell equipment as assets or as scrap. Everything from refurbishing cost, to the marketing expenses, is included in your pro forma site assessment to give you the most informed options.

Identifying Valuable Materials

Richmond Steel’s Demolition Services

We’ve been demolishing and recycling for over 50 years. Indiana Jones might not be available, but if you’re wondering what treasures are hidden on your site, Richmond Steel is here to help you recover them. Contact us to talk about your project.

Our Demolition Services team acts as a ‘traveling scrap yard’, meticulously tearing down unwanted industrial site structures and recovering all valuable materials, ensuring you receive top dollar from retiring your legacy equipment.  

David Luu on the Dynamic World of Metal Recycling: Challenges, Trends, and RSR's Vision

In the ever-evolving landscape of the metal recycling industry, professionals like David Luu find themselves at the forefront of a dynamic and challenging sector. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with David to gain insights into what makes this industry so exciting, unique, and the driving forces that are shaping its future. Here's a glimpse into our conversation.

Embracing the Excitement of Metal Recycling

For David, the metal recycling industry's allure lies in its constant state of flux. With variables like domestic and export prices, buy prices, currency rates, product quality, and recovery always in flux, every day is a new puzzle to solve. The thrill comes from making decisions on when to buy or sell, negotiating the best prices, optimising product choices, and strategically considering logistics. It's a dynamic environment where even the slightest change can have far-reaching implications for a business, both in the short term and the long run.

The Unique Culture of Trust

One unique aspect of working in the metal recycling industry is the unwavering emphasis on trust and integrity. David emphasises that your word is your bond in this business. When you make a deal, you honour it. This dedication to honesty and keeping one's commitments is not just good practice; it's essential because personal reputation is paramount in this close-knit global community. It's an industry where people from all over the world meet and collaborate, creating a sense of global camaraderie.

Winds of Change: What's Transforming the Industry?

Over the past decade, several factors have significantly impacted the metal recycling industry. Market news and information are now more accessible to everyone, allowing for greater transparency and informed decision-making. Investments in Safety, Health, Environment, and Community (SHEC) have seen substantial growth, reflecting an industry-wide commitment to responsible operations. However, one of the most noteworthy changes has been the increasing capital costs required to operate efficiently, a shift that has reshaped the industry's landscape.

Future Trends: The Path Ahead

Looking ahead, David foresees increased consolidation within the industry. Family-owned businesses may gradually give way to corporations due to the capital costs associated with modern equipment, essential for improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. These changes are a response to the evolving landscape of the industry, driven by a quest for competitiveness and sustainability.

The Hidden Power of Metal Recycling

Not many are aware that metal recycling produces secondary metals, requiring significantly less energy than mining ore concentrates to produce primary metals. This eco-friendly aspect of the industry underscores its contribution to environmental conservation.

The Challenges That Lie Ahead

Challenges are part and parcel of any industry, and the metal recycling sector is no exception. A significant challenge is finding a workforce willing to engage in physical labour, as the industry competes for talent with social media and the high-tech sector. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the metal market poses a perennial challenge. While recent years have seen prosperity, the economic climate is currently shifting, presenting new hurdles.

RSR's Vision: A Look Into the Future

For David, the future holds both challenges and opportunities. Rather than resting on past achievements, the focus should be on what lies ahead. In these economic conditions, it's more prudent to prioritise margins and profitability over volume and market share growth. This adaptive approach will ensure that when the right opportunity arises, RSR is poised to shift gears and seize it.

RSR's Industry Leadership

Richmond Steel Recycling stands out as an industry leader due to its long-standing reputation and financial stability. Suppliers feel secure knowing that RSR has the resources to fulfil its commitments. While the business deals are a significant part of the equation, it's the dedication and exceptional customer service provided by RSR's team that fosters supplier loyalty. Strong relationships also enable RSR to procure materials at competitive rates, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Operations

RSR's commitment to excellence is reflected in its investments. For instance, technology investments have enhanced the recovery of non-ferrous (NF) materials from the dense non-ferrous (DNF) stream, leading to a cleaner product and less waste going to landfills. These innovations have not only improved environmental sustainability but also added positively to the bottom line.

Embracing Data and Analytics

Data and analytics have a growing role in optimising operations. David highlights the importance of conducting yield tests on supplier materials to understand their quality and value after shredding. This data-driven approach ensures that material quality is reflected in pricing, recognizing that not all materials are of the same quality and should be valued accordingly.

In conclusion, the metal recycling industry is an ever-evolving and exciting realm where challenges are met with ingenuity and opportunities are seized with resilience. The vision for Richmond Steel Recycling and the industry as a whole is to adapt, evolve, and continue providing sustainable solutions in a world that increasingly values environmental responsibility. David Luu's unique insights provide a glimpse into this ever-changing landscape.

Exploring the Ever Evolving World of Metal Recycling: A Conversation with Industry Expert John Rai

In an era where environmental consciousness and sustainable practices take centre stage, industries that contribute to the circular economy have gained unprecedented attention. One such industry, often operating quietly but with immense impact, is the metal recycling sector. In this insightful discussion, we sat down with John Rai, Vice President of Business Development at Richmond Steel Recycling (RSR), a renowned player in the metal recycling domain, to uncover the intricacies, challenges, and exciting facets of the metal recycling industry.

A Legacy of Value Creation

For many, the principles of recycling and reusing are deeply ingrained, guided by the belief that nothing should go to waste and everything holds inherent value. This sentiment resonates deeply with industry insider John Rai, who reflects on his upbringing, "I was raised to not waste anything and that everything has value. My family has been recycling and reusing since the late 1970s and 80s. My dad, a trained mechanic, would use a spark plug cleaning machine and re-use plugs 2 or 3 times before replacing them with new ones, along with rebuilding many auto parts. The gratification of recycling materials rather than sending them to landfills is truly fulfilling." This intrinsic ethos infuses a personal touch into the industry, fostering a profound sense of fulfilment through material diversion from waste sites.

John Rai,
Vice President of Business Development at Richmond Steel Recycling

Unearthing the Rich History of Metal Recycling

The metal recycling industry possesses a unique historical significance. From the inception of refined metal, it was recognized as a valuable resource. John highlights this, stating, "What sets the metal recycling industry apart is its status as the oldest recycled material. Since the first metal was refined, it was seen as a precious resource. The notion that some of the metal we handle has been in circulation for centuries is truly captivating." This historical context imparts a distinctive dimension to the sector, bridging the gap between bygone eras and the present. These are such simple concepts that we as general consumers fail to recognize.

Adapting to the Winds of Change

Over the last decade, the landscape of metal recycling has undergone remarkable transformation. John emphasizes the integration of steel mills and recyclers, accompanied by cutting-edge technology facilitating the recovery of non-ferrous metals from waste streams. This confluence has redefined the industry's dynamics. Rai also notes the increasing acquisition of scrap dealers of all sizes, underscoring the industry's evolution and adaptability.

Anticipating Future Trends

Looking ahead, industry expert John Rai anticipates two pivotal trends that could reshape the metal recycling landscape. The first revolves around establishing domestic melting capacity in North America, propelling regional recycling endeavours. The second focuses on China's self-sufficiency in scrap metal supplies, triggering global trade shifts and reconfiguring the industry's structure.

Unlocking the Hidden Truth of Recycling

Recycling often remains enigmatic to the masses, leaving individuals unaware of the ultimate destination of their recycled items. John Rai sheds light on this aspect, stating, "A lack of awareness persists regarding where recycled metals or items end up. For instance, our recycled steel is melted and utilized in local buildings as rebar. Meanwhile, plastics and other materials might be shipped offshore to countries with fewer environmental regulations." Addressing this knowledge gap becomes imperative to comprehending the complete life cycle of recycled materials.

Confronting Challenges Head-On

In the face of progress, the metal recycling industry confronts a series of challenges. From urban sprawl encroaching on industrial land to stringent environmental regulations, the industry grapples with multifaceted hurdles. John Rai highlights the theft of valuable non-ferrous metals during price surges and supply shortages as additional barriers. Striking a balance between capacity and demand remains an ongoing challenge, exemplified by localized oversupply issues. Addressing these challenges necessitates collaboration across government, industry, and the public to sustain and enhance these critical practices.

A Vision of Impact and Recognition

Richmond Steel Recycling's vision extends beyond mere business operations. Their aspiration encompasses revitalizing industrial sites and attaining recognition as a pivotal player in the circular economy. John Rai's vision is clear: "My goal is for Richmond Steel to emerge as a driving force in reclaiming industrial spaces. Furthermore, I envision the industry being lauded for its indispensable role within the circular economy, rather than being viewed solely as a cost center."

Leadership through Fairness and Commitment

Richmond Steel Recycling's leadership stands out due to its unwavering commitment to fairness, environmental stewardship, and safety. These values guide their actions, ensuring contributions to global well-being and local community welfare.

In the realm of metal recycling, each piece of scrap carries a narrative – a story of transformation, value, and sustainability. Throughout this series, the Conversation with Industry Experts, we hope to create a deeper appreciation for this silent yet impactful industry emerges. As the sector navigates challenges and embraces innovation, its role in the circular economy assumes ever-greater significance. From grassroots recycling efforts to grand visions of industrial renewal, the metal recycling industry paves the way towards a greener, more sustainable future.

HR Employee Spotlight #3 - Tammy Long

Richmond Steel is nothing without it's people. Their thoughts and feelings are of the utmost importance to us.

What has been your experience with our company? Years of work? Different positions?

I have been with Richmond Steel for over 11 years, I have worn many hats over the years and continue to do so.  I come to the company with much admin and logistic experience, but absolutely no metal recycling knowledge, the first while was an eye opener let’s just say. I started as a scale operator/office admin and it grew from there, working in an outlying yard gave me the freedom and opportunity to take on many roles and responsibilities, and continue to do so.  I am now in a regional administration role supporting all the outlying yards as well as our OOY projects. 

How is your team?

My team members of course have changed and grown over the years, but key members have remained consistent. I consider my team as family members, we share in not only work related but also share in the personal moments as well. It is nice to have those connections to be able to celebrate not only work achievements but personal ones as well.

What improvements have you seen within yourself after joining RSR?

The knowledge that I have now vs. when I started is vast, over the years I have been granted the opportunity and participation to be involved in all areas of the business and has given me the ability and confidence to be diverse and handle new challenges as they arise.

Who do you think is your biggest inspiration in our company?

Inspirations have been the people that have given me the freedom and support to learn and grow within the company.  Doug Hallson has been the most inspirational, he is always there to make sure that “I am not selling myself short” his faith in me has always been a huge inspiration, Geoff Salton for the encouragement and always being there and  Kelly Brown for being my work “husband” that inspires (tests) me daily J

How have you grown professionally after joining our team?

Wow, how have I grown, I would have to say that my confidence has been the biggest growth, at the beginning there were many second guessing moments, now with the knowledge and experience that I have gained I continue forward with the confidence to take on any new challenges that arise and continue to prepare me for greater responsibility.

What resources and benefits do you like within the company?

I would have to say the greatest benefit is that RSR is willing to let people grow and advance within ourselves, the opportunity is there to continually learn and take on challenges. The members of upper management are willing to allow that growth and help in any way to achieve success not only for the individual but for the company dynamic as well.

Lead disposal: How to dispose of lead.

Lead disposal has been happening since 4,000 BC, as discovered when ancient figurines were found in Egypt. Little did people know, their ornaments contained a material that would become a controversial global resource.

The uses of this metal evolved as people recognized its malleability. Over time, and especially during periods such as the Industrial Revolution, lead became a go-to metal in the production of daily-use items. Silvery-blue in color and rust-resistant, lead gained its status as a popular component of house paint, plumbing fixtures, and vehicle batteries.

Then came lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning is classified as an environmental illness, because the presence of lead in building materials and manufactured goods can harm the health of both children and adults, especially pregnant women. In serious cases, lead poisoning can lead to cancer.

Although not as close to us as toxic mercury-based dental fillings, the lead in water pipes and cooking utensils inevitably surfaces in our food. We can also contract lead poisoning just by living and working in buildings with lead-based paint and wood via inhalation of toxic dust and vapor.

How does lead affect human health?

When people who had been exposed to lead toxins in their environment showed symptoms of lead poisoning—headaches, respiratory problems, and forgetfulness, to name a few—health and safety officials recognized the need to regulate the usage of lead in close-contact items. Health Canada implemented a strategy specifically to reduce the presence of lead in products likely to be ingested, inhaled, or in contact with human mouths, such as toys and cosmetics.

However, lead-based items still exist in our homes, workplaces, and other areas of daily life.

Consider paint—although the World Health Organization prioritized a goal to eliminate lead paint by 2020, and paint sold commercially after 1992 in North America is lead-free, many buildings pre-dating 1960 are coated in lead paint. This realization spurred lead abatement projects, such as that in Vancouver which saw the removal of lead paint from four pool houses in 2018.

Workers removing lead-based paint from buildings and infrastructure can protect themselves and others by using polyethylene covers to limit debris to the renovation site. Anyone with old paint cans kicking around should also seek responsible lead disposal.

Scrap metals such as lead, copper, and mercury should not be disposed of in landfills alongside household or retail garbage, because metals can leach toxic matter into the soil surrounding a landfill. Scientists suggest that air pollution arising from toxic soil can poison the people and wildlife living within five kilometers of a landfill.

How does lead affect the environment?

Metals are considered precious resources for their increasing scarcity, so keeping metals out of landfills protects the environment.

Recycled lead, and recycled metals in general, can be reused in the production of new commodities, lowering the global need to conduct metal mining. Decreasing the amount of metal mining also means decreasing the amount of greenhouses gases damaging Earth’s atmosphere.

Who helps with responsible lead disposal?

Metal-recycling companies such as Richmond Steel Recycling exist to help people dispose of and recycle lead-based items in a safe and an environmentally conscious manner.

Richmond Steel Recycling accepts lead-acid batteries and removes them from vehicles we buy for shredding, which would cause pollution if added to landfills. Companies such as this have resulted in North America’s high (nearly 100%) battery recycling rate. Furthermore, they helped the global usage of recycled lead surpass that of mined lead in 1995, and this statistic remains positive today.

Ultimately, bringing scrap metals to organizations such as Richmond Steel Recycling is an environmentally responsible practice, which helps prevent both human illness and global warming.

Phone apps, GPS tracking and the scrap metal industry

You can track a parcel being sent from the depot to your front door and even fast food from the kitchen to your table - but surely such technology isn’t needed for your garbage and in the scrap metal industry? 

The reality is most people probably don’t worry whether the aluminum can they put in the rubbish is recycled, ends up in a landfill or is even dumped in the countryside.

It probably disappears from their minds in seconds and in an even quicker time than it takes to consume the drink contents inside. 

But while tracking a parcel using a phone app can be important so you know you can be in when it arrives at your house, tracking garbage on its journey can bring a number of different benefits to the scrap metal industry.

Cutting waste crime 

The U.K. produces about 200 million tonnes of waste a year - and while analysts can provide this estimate of what goes out in the garbage, they can’t do the same accurately for how much is recycled. 

However, they believe that about 20 million transactions take place where quantities of it change hands between transport and collection companies, disposal and recycling firms.

There any many potential problems with this current system because there is no way of telling where exactly it ends up.

For example, a company that is getting paid to recycle waste may dump it, put it in landfills or fail to sort items properly meaning not all aluminum and materials find their way into the scrap metal industry. 

“We want to move forward towards a circular economy where waste is valued as a resource and reused,” said Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey.

To try and solve the problem, the U.K. government has awarded a £400,000 ($682,000) contract to a tech company to devise solutions to this problem and track garbage from residents’ hands all the way to the recycling facility. 

Only when this is achieved can officials find the true value of recycling different materials. 

Reliable collections 

But tracking garbage isn’t just about stopping waste criminals dumping it - it’s about making sure it’s collected in the first place.

In Bengaluru, a city of 8 million people in India, trucks are being fitted with radio frequency identification to monitor them.

The move is designed to ensure no street is missed, with residents even able to track when the vehicle is coming near their home on their phones. 

And just to make sure nobody is left out or any garden still has rubbish outside it, the driver has to scan a QR code after they have collected it. 

A country as vast as India has various problems to overcome in different areas and in Goa, which has many beaches and beautiful locations, a black spot app is being used to make sure none are tainted.

This ensures that problem areas or anywhere lots of garbage builds up in can be identified and action taken. 

It is also important that services are effective in Mumbai - a city of 18 million people - with vehicles there fitted with devices that allows a GPS tracking system to follow them. 

Saving residents money 

Tracking waste isn’t just a process that starts when garbage is picked up by a collection truck - it can begin in your kitchen when you decide what to put out. 

This is the case in Calgary, where a novel scheme has started with identification chips placed on black bags to track what is thrown away by residents.

The pay as you throw initiative is aimed at making people more aware of what they chuck out, with financial incentives and lower bills offered for those who create less garbage.

A database and billing system could cost $1.1m but because no other North American city has a comparable program, there is no template for officials to follow in devising it.

So this could be pioneering and if successful be replicated around Canada and the world. 

The council will talk to Calgarians and report back on how it’s gone in 2021.

While most people have never been interested in where their garbage goes when they throw it out, new technology and moves to create a greener planet mean we can keep a closer eye on it.