The company’s Texas facility is the first of many in the US, accelerating the country’s critical mineral strategy and a more sustainable circular economy
Mint Innovation, a clean technology company that’s developed a low impact biotechnology and smart chemistry process to sustainably recover green metals from e-waste, today announced its expansion into the United States with the first site in Longview, Texas. Founded in New Zealand in 2016, Mint Innovation developed a world-first solution to extract critical and valuable metals, such as gold and copper, from electronic waste in a form ready to be returned immediately to onshore supply chains.
As demand for critical metals, such as copper, is expected to exceed natural supply as early as 2025, with an estimated 6 million tonne deficit by 2030, Mint Innovation’s clean technology provides a new environmentally safe avenue to secure closed loop national reserves of in-demand metals.
The state of Texas is home to some of the largest electronics manufacturing companies, however only approximately 6.5% of e-scrap generated is recycled through proper channels. With e-waste being the world's fastest growing waste stream, most of this waste eventually ends up in landfill or is shipped offshore. There is also increasing concern about data security risks often associated with the export of e-waste. Mint’s process presents a safer option that guarantees the destruction of technology exceeding NSA standards, while sustainably addressing this growing hazardous waste stream.
The Longview site – selected based on its proximity to technology and manufacturing supply chains – will be a significant investment into the local community, with construction set to begin imminently and completion anticipated for the end of 2025. This significant financial commitment highlights the importance of Mint Innovation's role in enhancing the local economy and the broader national mineral supply chain.
Each year, this single facility will have the capacity to process approximately 8.8m lb. of printed circuit board waste, producing 2.2m lb. of copper and 1,100 lb. of gold. By focusing on domestic recovery, Mint will accelerate the nation's capability to produce US made green metals - establishing a truly closed-loop supply of critical metals to reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
“As the United States looks to strengthen its industrial strategy and as global environmental challenges continue to unfold, we’re excited to bring our e-waste biotechnology into the US to address demand for metals like copper that are crucial to continued economic growth.” said Will Barker, CEO of Mint Innovation. “This is a significant milestone in Mint Innovation’s journey towards achieving our purpose of empowering countries and companies to embrace a sustainable future through clean technology and truly circular green metals.”
In addition to its environmental benefits, the facility is set to create approximately 28 high-quality, family sustaining jobs in the Longview area. Mint Innovation is committed to engaging with the community and has formed a partnership with LEDCO, who have provided an incentive package to support Mint in establishing its facility.
Government Support
The expansion has garnered support from several government departments, highlighting the strategic importance and potential impact of this move.
“Texas is the undisputed economic juggernaut of the nation, thanks to our unmatched business-friendly climate, robust infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “When choosing where to relocate or expand their businesses, more innovative industry leaders recognize the competitive advantages that can only be found in Texas. I thank Mint Innovation for choosing Texas and expanding in Longview and look forward to working with them to build a bigger, better Texas”.
“New Zealand’s cleantech companies are revolutionizing the industry and providing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems,” said Vicky Whitlock, US Trade Commissioner at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, the New Zealand government’s business development agency. “We’re pleased that New Zealand-born Mint Innovation will be establishing their first e-waste recycling facility in the United States in Longview, Texas. This facility, and other future developments, will significantly contribute to the goals of strengthening the industrial base in the United States. It’s a win-win and step toward a more renewable world.”
“We are proud to support Mint Innovation under our SelectUSA program. Congratulations to the Mint team on their U.S. investment and expansion plans.” says Steve Knode from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
For more information on Mint Innovation and its expansion into the United States, visit mint.bio.
About Mint Innovation
Mint Innovation is a clean technology company that uses biotechnology and smart chemistry to sustainably recover critical and valuable metals from the world's waste, increasing value and reducing impact on the environment. Founded in 2016, the company is responsible for creating a world-first biotechnology – which serves as an alternative to mining and overseas smelting – to provide in-demand metals and accelerate circular supply. Mint Innovation's vision is to become the world's leading clean technology pioneer producing circular metals to help restore the planet.
Media contact
Sunny Qin
Brand Manager at Mint Innovation
sunny.qin@mint.bio