Reclaiming/Recovering Precious Metals From Metal-Finishing And Plating Operations

By: Kevin Beirne
Sabin Metal Corp.

Metal platers are under increasing pressure from many sources, not the least of which are from environmental compliance enforcement agencies whose main concerns are proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials used in plating processes.

More stringent environmental laws—and tougher enforcement policies—from regulatory agencies at all levels have forced closures of some plating facilities at worst, and consolidation of others at best to help minimize an organization's exposure to stiff penalties. In this tightly structured business environment, add the pressures of higher operating costs, tighter labor markets, tougher competition, difficult operating conditions, and you have the makings of a steepening uphill curve towards success.