Episode Details

Interview with Michael Walshe, CEO, Metallium Ltd 

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mtm-critical-metals-asxmtm-pioneering-us-domestic-metal-recovery-breakthrough-nears-production-7146

Recording date: 3rd of March 2026

Metallium Ltd is advancing from technology development to commercial operations with a proprietary flash thermal heating process designed to recover high-value metals from electronic waste. The company's Houston demonstration facility represents a critical transition point, with over 25 personnel currently commissioning the site for commercial-scale operations on printed circuit boards.

The facility strategy centres on direct conversion from demonstration to cash-generating commercial business, targeting initial capacity of 8,000 tons per annum with plans to double to 16,000 tons within twelve months. This approach distinguishes Metallium from development-stage projects requiring extended capital cycles before revenue generation. The company has secured binding feed stock agreements with Glencore covering one-third of initial capacity, with similar agreements pending for two additional suppliers to ensure full supply security.

Metallium's competitive advantage lies in feed stock economics. Targeting approximately 200 grams per ton gold equivalent from printed circuit boards—orders of magnitude higher than conventional mining operations—the company projects operating margins between 25-35% at commercial scale. Current operations process pre-shredded PCB material containing gold, silver, palladium, tin, and copper, with approximately 50% of US-origin material currently exported to China for processing.

The expansion strategy encompasses four sites across Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Florida, targeting combined capacity of 80,000 tons annually. This translates to approximately 320,000 gold equivalent ounces, positioning Metallium as a potential top-ten gold producer on the Australian Securities Exchange through recycling operations rather than traditional mining.

Beyond PCB processing, the company develops parallel revenue streams including gallium and germanium recovery through partnership with Indium Corporation, rare earth applications, and licensing arrangements for mining sector applications. Strategic alignment with US critical minerals priorities positions Metallium for government grant support, with applications pending at the Department of Defense and Department of Energy. Management targets a NASDAQ listing in Q3/Q4 2026 to access institutional capital and improve market positioning.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/metallium-ltd

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