Copper is one of the most valuable and versatile materials in modern industry. Due to its high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and ease of recycling, this metal is essential in sectors such as electronics, construction, renewable energy… However, the growing demand for copper contrasts with the challenges of mining extraction, making recycling a critical and sustainable alternative. In this article, we detail how the copper shredding and recycling process works, highlighting its importance and benefits to the environment and the economy.
Why is copper recycling important?
Copper recycling contributes to reducing the pressure on copper mines and helps to minimize the environmental impact associated with copper mining and processing. The main reasons for recycling copper include:
- Environmental sustainability: mining generates carbon emissions, consumes large amounts of energy and causes disruption to ecosystems. Recycling, on the other hand, allows for recovery without the need for further extraction.
- Circular economy: by recycling copper, it is reused in the production cycle, reducing waste and promoting a more efficient production model.
- Growing demand: global consumption of this metal continues to increase, driven mainly by the transition to clean energy and the electrification of vehicles. Its regeneration helps to meet this demand in a sustainable way.
The copper recycling process
Copper recycling involves several stages from the collection of materials to obtaining pure copper ready for reuse. The main steps are detailed below:
1. Collection and sorting
Copper-containing materials such as electrical cables and electronic components are collected and sorted. It is essential to separate cables and components from other electronic waste in order to optimize their treatment and recovery.
2. Initial shredding
The cables are fed into industrial shredders to reduce their size. This phase allows the outer sheath (plastic or rubber) to be separated from the inner copper conductor.
3. Separation of materials
After shredding, the materials pass through separation systems such as densimetric tables or air currents that distinguish between plastics and metals. This process results in high purity copper fragments.
4. Copper refining
The crushed copper can undergo additional crushing and refining processes in order to ensure that it meets the quality standards necessary for industrial reuse.
5. Reuse in new production processes
Recycled copper retains the same properties as primary copper, making it ideal for manufacturing new products without any loss of quality.
Benefits of copper recycling
Recycling this material has numerous benefits that go beyond sustainability:
- Energy savings: thanks to recycling, 85-90% less energy is consumed than during production from ore.
- Cost reduction: recovery of this already used metal is cheaper than extracting and reprocessing it.
- Reduced waste generation: preventing large quantities of e-waste from ending up in landfills.
- Boosting the circular economy: promoting a more efficient and sustainable economic model.
Silmisa copper recycling machinery solutions
At Silmisa Maquinaria we are specialists in the design and manufacture of industrial machinery for copper recycling. Our solutions have been created to guarantee an efficient and sustainable treatment of recyclable materials including:
- High precision shredders: designed to process electrical cables of different types and sizes.
- Advanced separation systems: guarantee the purity of this recovered material and its correct segregation from plastics and other materials.
- Customizable equipment: we adapt our machines to the specific needs of each customer, thus optimizing their production.
- Complete copper recycling lines: these include the copper crushing and separation processes, obtaining clean copper.
Innovation and sustainability
At Silmisa Maquinaria we are committed to innovation and sustainability. Our shredding and recycling equipment optimizes the copper recovery process and minimizes both energy consumption and environmental impact. Contact us to find out more about our machinery and our complete copper cable recycling lines!
