CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur, has transferred its advanced technology for recycling waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) to Novasensa Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, on Thursday. This marks a significant step in addressing the growing e-waste crisis with an eco-friendly approach. The technology enables the recovery of valuable metals like gold, copper, and aluminum from PCBs while adhering to zero-waste principles, contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
The process involves mechanical pre-treatment of waste PCBs followed by hydrometallurgical and electro-metallurgical techniques to extract high-purity metals and salts, with purity levels exceeding 99.99% for metals and 98.5% for salts. Developed by CSIR-NML’s research team, the technology is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and aligns with the principles of a circular economy.
The event was attended by CSIR-NML’s Director, Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, and a team of leading scientists, including Dr. Manis Kumar Jha, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, and Dr. Jhumki Hait, among others. Aseem Trivedi, Founder and CEO of Novasensa Pvt. Ltd., expressed enthusiasm for implementing this groundbreaking technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize e-waste management in India while conserving natural resources for future generations.
The growing volume of e-waste presents environmental and health challenges, often resulting in the loss of valuable metals and contamination of soil and water. CSIR-NML’s technology addresses these issues by providing a sustainable recycling solution, reducing pollution, and recovering critical materials.
Dr. Chowdhury highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating that the transfer reinforces CSIR-NML’s commitment to making India an e-waste-free society. The collaboration is expected to generate employment, foster startups, and encourage entrepreneurial ventures in the recycling sector. The scalable technology can also be adapted for small-scale and cottage industries, furthering its impact on economic and social development.
This partnership between CSIR-NML and Novasensa Pvt. Ltd. symbolizes a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, offering a viable solution to the e-waste crisis while contributing to a greener and cleaner future.
