Metal 78, a spin-off from the Ceit technological center, has demonstrated its industrial-scale expansion at a 6,000 m² plant in Zumarraga. The company recovers metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium from catalysts and particle filters using a proprietary 100% hydrometallurgical technology.
The technology developed by the company reduces CO₂ emissions by 63% and is 90% faster than current processes, facilitating the recovery of high-value raw materials from automotive waste.
The visit included the Basque Minister of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, alongside Arrate Aranbarri (Director General of Venture Capital Management), Unai Andueza (Gipuzkoa's Deputy for Economic Promotion), and Amaia Arregi (Director General of Economic Promotion).
Members of the Metal 78 team, including Jose Iraolagoitia (Head of Business Development) and Aritz Elejalde (Financial Manager), presented the project's evolution and its industrial leap.
The company specializes in recycling vehicle catalysts and filters to recover Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), supported by partners such as AMPO, Geroa Pentsioak, CDTI Innovación, Clave Capital, and Seed Gipuzkoa.
Notably, their technology can process silicon carbide (SiC) particle filters, making Metal 78 the sole company capable of recovering PGMs from this specific composite material.
