“The untapped potential of urban mining is enormous,” says Chris. “For example, one tonne of mobile phones contains approximately 100 times more gold than a tonne of primary extracted gold ore. These products contain valuable recoverable raw materials that otherwise represent a lost commercial opportunity.”

As obsolescence rates of TVs, PCs, mobile phones and other electronic goods increase, the risk of incorrect disposal of these end-of-life products is also set to soar. “This results in potential environmental contamination of landfill sites,” says Chris. “E-waste represents one of the planet’s greatest environmental challenges, and also a significant commercial opportunity.”

Using advanced, ecologically sound and commercially proven technology, Scipher recovers raw materials and resources contained in end-of-life electronic and electrical equipment to a high degree of purity. These materials are then reintroduced from e-waste back into the economy for manufacturing. This is known as the ‘circular economy’ — a model that involves reusing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible, maximising environmental, social and economic outcomes.

With ABGF’s investment, Scipher will expand its Australian operating footprint and further invest in innovative and advanced technologies to optimise its raw material and commodity recovery capabilities. This includes the addition of Western Australia based, Total Green Recycling to the Scipher group – one of Australia’s leading e-waste and asset recovery businesses and bringing over 30 years of combined industry experience. Scipher also plans to establish new recycling plants in Sydney and regional NSW.

ABGF’s Co-Head of Investments, Patrick Verlaine, is excited about this investment.

“Regulators, businesses and consumers are increasingly focused on the treatment of e-waste,” he says. “Through this investment, we are supporting a growing business that is focused on investing in leading technology to maximise recovery rates of valuable products that would otherwise be diverted to landfill as environmentally harmful waste. We are delighted to be investing in and working alongside such an experienced and industry-leading management team.”