Brand Story | UrbanMines: From Urban Mines to Future Materials
The concept of UrbanMines is rooted in the "urban mining" framework introduced in 1988 by Professor Michio Nanjo of the Institute of Mineral Processing and Metallurgy at Tohoku University, Japan. Professor Nanjo proposed that the accumulation of discarded industrial products in urban areas constitutes a valuable reservoir of recyclable materials, which he termed "urban mining." This concept embodies a sustainable approach to resource management, emphasizing the recovery of critical metal resources from electronic waste and supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
A prime example is the printed circuit board (PCB) found in electronic devices—often referred to as "urban mines"—which contains a diverse array of rare metals and rare earth elements. It stands as a representative model of the "urban mines" concept.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, China's reform and opening-up policy has driven rapid economic expansion, widespread adoption of consumer electronics (3C products), and the emergence of industries such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), IC lead frames, and precision electronic connectors. This growth has also led to a significant increase in electronic waste and copper alloy scrap. In response to this evolving landscape, UrbanMines was established in Hong Kong in 2007, initially focusing on the recycling of PCBs and stamped copper alloy scrap, thereby laying the foundation for its resource recycling operations.
Through continuous advancements in technology, supply chain integration, and market expansion, UrbanMines has transformed from a materials recycling enterprise into a technology-driven company that integrates advanced materials research and development, production, and closed-loop recycling. The name and brand "UrbanMines" not only reflect the company’s origins in urban resource recovery but also symbolize its ongoing commitment to bridging advanced materials innovation with sustainable resource utilization.
We uphold the principle that "Consumption is Unlimited, yet Resources are Finite; Using Subtraction to Calculate Resources, Using Division to Calculate Consumption." In light of global challenges such as resource scarcity and the energy transition, UrbanMines has developed a strategic vision—“Vision Future”—that aligns technological advancement with sustainability. This strategy centers on high-purity rare metal materials, high-performance rare earth compounds, and green, closed-loop recycling systems. Leveraging innovative chemical metallurgy technologies, we are dedicated to delivering next-generation material solutions for high-tech industries.
Looking ahead, UrbanMines aims to become a global leader in high-performance materials and closed-loop resource recycling, transforming its expertise in sustainability into enduring competitive advantage in international markets.