TDB Signs Agreement to Recover Precious Metals from Waste

Shubham Mittal

10 months ago

Today, the Technology Development Board (TDB) took a significant step by entering into the second agreement as part of its initiative “Technology Intervention towards ‘Garbage Free Cities’”. TDB has collaborated with M/s Alchemy Recyclers Private Limited in Gujarat to establish an Integrated Plant aimed at recovering precious metals from E-waste, Jewellers Waste, and Automobile Catalyst Waste.

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To facilitate this innovative project, the Technology Development Board has committed financial support of ₹1.14 Crores, which constitutes a substantial portion of the overall project cost totaling ₹1.90 Crores. This initiative underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability and the responsible management of waste materials.

About the Technology Intervention towards Garbage-Free Cities

The “Technology Intervention towards Garbage Free Cities” initiative by the Technology Development Board (TDB) is a response to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Swachh Bharat Mission: Urban 2.0.

This initiative is focused on encouraging proposals that not only address waste management in Indian cities but also leverage technological innovations to generate value from waste materials.
Under this initiative, the Technology Development Board invited applications from Indian companies with innovative indigenous technologies in the waste management sector that are at the stage of commercialization.
The response from companies across India has been overwhelming, showcasing a strong commitment to creating cleaner and more sustainable cities.

Proposal Received

One of the successful proposals is from M/s Alchemy Recyclers Private Limited in Gujarat. They have developed an integrated plant that utilizes an innovative methodology for recovering precious metals from e-waste, jewelry waste, and car catalyst waste.

By combining these waste materials in a unique ratio, the recovery ratio of precious metals like Gold, Silver, Palladium, Platinum, and Rhodium is significantly enhanced.
Certain impurities within the waste materials also serve as flux, aiding in the recovery process.
This approach not only improves the efficiency of precious metal recovery but also offers an environmentally sustainable solution for waste management.
By extracting valuable metals from these waste materials, the project reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional mining practices.
The use of impurities as flux minimizes the need for additional chemicals, making the process cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Aim

E-waste, jewelry waste, and car catalyst waste often contribute to environmental hazards when managed through informal channels. This project aims to address this issue and promote circular economy models for efficient and cost-effective waste collection. The proposed processing capacity of 750 TPA (tons per annum) accounts for a small percentage of the Indian market but holds potential for growth, especially considering the expected increase in global e-waste volumes.

Overall, the initiative exemplifies a forward-looking approach to waste management, highlighting the potential for innovative technologies to not only address local challenges but also contribute to global sustainability efforts.

About the Technology Development Board (TDB)

The Technology Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995. It is a non-profit organization that promotes the development and commercialization of indigenous technology in India.

TDB’s mission is to “promote the development and commercialization of indigenous technology in India and to make India a major player in the global technology market.”

Its vision is to “be a leading technology development and commercialization agency in India, providing support to entrepreneurs and start-ups to develop and commercialize their innovative technologies.”

Objectives

Promote the development of indigenous technology in India;
Facilitate the commercialization of indigenous technology;
Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and start-ups;
Promote technology transfer;
Build linkages between industry, academia, and research institutions;
Promote the use of technology for social and economic development.

TDB has supported the development and commercialization of a number of successful technologies –

The development of a low-cost solar water heater;
The development of a new type of cement that is more environmentally friendly;
The development of a new type of drug that is effective in treating cancer.

Benefits of TDB’s Support

Financial assistance: TDB provides financial assistance to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the form of loans, equity investments, and grants. This helps to cover the cost of developing and commercializing new technologies.
Technology development and commercialization support: TDB provides technical support to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the form of consultancy, training, and access to laboratories. This helps them to develop and commercialize their technologies more effectively.
Market research and analysis: TDB provides market research and analysis to entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them identify potential markets for their technologies. This helps them to make informed decisions about their business strategy.
Networking and mentoring: TDB provides networking and mentoring opportunities to entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them connect with other businesses and experts. This helps them to learn from others and to get advice on their business.
Intellectual property protection: TDB helps entrepreneurs and start-ups to protect their intellectual property rights. This helps them to prevent others from copying their technologies and to benefit from their innovations.
Access to government schemes and programs: TDB helps entrepreneurs and start-ups access government schemes and programs that can provide them with financial assistance, technical support, and market access. This helps them to succeed in the competitive business environment.

TDB is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and start-ups who are developing innovative technologies. It provides financial assistance, technical support, and market access to help these businesses succeed.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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