Recycling

Tellurium Recycling: Current State and Potential

Recycling of Tellurium from end-of-life products and manufacturing scrap represents an important secondary supply source. The current global end-of-life recycling rate for Tellurium is approximately 3%, reflecting both technical challenges and economic factors in recovery.

Recycling Rate Context

At just 3%, the recycling rate for Tellurium remains low, meaning the vast majority of supply must come from primary mining. This represents both a sustainability challenge and an opportunity for circular economy development.

Recycling Technologies

Current and emerging recycling technologies for Tellurium include mechanical separation, pyrometallurgical recovery, hydrometallurgical extraction, and direct recycling approaches. These processes mirror primary production techniques such as roasting and leaching of anode slimes, adapted for secondary feedstocks. Research efforts focus on improving recovery rates and reducing energy consumption.

Key Recycling Sources

• End-of-life cadmium telluride solar cells products - Recovery potential varies based on product design, Tellurium concentration, and collection infrastructure.
• End-of-life thermoelectric devices products - Recovery potential varies based on product design, Tellurium concentration, and collection infrastructure.
• End-of-life rubber vulcanization products - Recovery potential varies based on product design, Tellurium concentration, and collection infrastructure.
• End-of-life bismuth telluride cooling products - Recovery potential varies based on product design, Tellurium concentration, and collection infrastructure.
• End-of-life steel and copper alloy additive products - Recovery potential varies based on product design, Tellurium concentration, and collection infrastructure.
• Manufacturing scrap - New scrap from fabrication and processing typically has the highest recovery rates due to known composition and controlled collection.

Circular Economy Opportunities

Given the high supply risk for Tellurium, developing robust recycling infrastructure is a strategic priority. The 55% concentration of primary production in China makes secondary supply from recycling an important hedging strategy for consuming nations. Regulatory frameworks such as extended producer responsibility and recycled content mandates are being developed in multiple jurisdictions.