Hindustan Platinum plans to import spent catalysts to recover valuable metals

Precious metal refiner and manufacturer Hindustan Platinum is planning to import spent catalysts - a type of hazardous industrial waste - from oil refineries across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The company aims to extract valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and silver from these used materials to support India’s growing industrial demand.

Spent catalysts are by-products from oil and gas refineries that contain traces of precious metals. Although considered hazardous waste, experts say they can be safely processed to recover metals through advanced refining and recycling techniques. This not only prevents environmental harm but also helps reuse limited natural resources.

“We will hold discussions with refiners in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, and other countries during the European Refining Technology Conference in Cannes in November,” said Rajeev Mishra, Senior Vice President of Refining Services at Hindustan Platinum. He added that the company has already begun talks with refiners in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand for similar imports.

Hindustan Platinum, which already sources spent catalysts from India and Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, is now expanding its global network to ensure long-term supply of raw materials. The extracted metals are essential for industries such as electronics, electricals, textiles, glass, nitric acid, jewellery, and renewable energy.

Extracting metals from spent catalysts involves scientific processes such as hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical refining, which separate metals from other waste materials. These methods allow recovery rates of up to 95%, making it an efficient and sustainable alternative to mining.

Economists say this initiative could also boost India’s GDP. By importing waste and converting it into valuable metals, India can save foreign exchange, generate export revenue, and create jobs in the refining and recycling sector. It also positions the country as a global hub for sustainable metal recovery.

“Our goal is to build a global supply chain for recycling precious metals that will meet India’s industrial and renewable energy needs,” Mishra said. The company is also setting up infrastructure for the solar energy sector, where platinum and silver are in high demand.

Established in 1961, Hindustan Platinum refines and recovers metals such as platinum, palladium, silver, gold, rhodium, and iridium for industries in over 50 countries. The company’s latest efforts reflect how science-driven recycling can turn industrial waste into economic value, combining environmental responsibility with industrial growth.