Iridium Platinum spark plug recycling_ Automobile spark plug recycling_ Spark plug recycling manufacturer

The Current State of Iridium Usage in Spark Plugs

In the automotive recycling sector, used spark plugs are often neglected when it comes to resource recovery. Typically, these spark plugs remain attached to scrap engines, which are subsequently processed in steel mills or aluminum foundries. A minority of spark plugs are removed for parts or engine remanufacturing, but even these usually end up in steel scrap, often without any effort to harvest the valuable iridium and platinum they contain.

Before the introduction of targeted recycling programs, these precious metals were almost entirely lost to the waste stream. This scenario is not unique to one place; it is a global issue. The failure to divert spark plugs to specialized recyclers means that iridium and platinum continue to be wasted, despite their increasing value and necessity.

The Challenges of Mining Iridium

The primary source of iridium is deep mines in South Africa, where extraction is becoming increasingly challenging and costly. As these mines are curtailed, the production of iridium is expected to decline significantly. Some of the deepest mines, located a mile below the surface, are facing rising operational costs, leading to the closure of some shafts.

With primary mining sources dwindling, the only sustainable way to meet this growing demand is through recycling. The increasing need for iridium in the hydrogen economy makes it imperative to recover as much iridium as possible from existing products, such as spark plugs.

The Importance of Recycling Iridium from Spark Plugs

Recycling iridium from spark plugs is vital for several reasons. First, it supports the sustainability and closed circular economy principles by repurposing valuable materials rather than discarding them. The environmental benefits of recycling spark plugs include reduced mining pressures and the conservation of natural resources.

Moreover, the economic benefits of recycling iridium are significant. As mining costs rise and iridium supplies decrease, recycled iridium becomes an increasingly valuable commodity. Efficiently harvesting iridium from spark plugs can help stabilize supply and mitigate the risk of shortages.

Encouraging auto recycling to recover iridium from spark plugs can have a profound impact. By diverting spark plugs to specialized recyclers, we can ensure that this precious metal is not wasted, but rather reintroduced into the supply chain to support emerging technologies.

Waste iridium spark plugs are one of the sources of waste automotive spark plug recycling, including platinum spark plug recycling, ruthenium spark plug recycling, iridium platinum spark plug recycling, osmium spark plug recycling, and double iridium spark plug recycling. If you have any demand for recycling of used car spark plugs, please call our 24-hour service hotline. Dingfeng Precious Metal Recycling and Refining Factory has its own recycling and refining factory, and there is no profit difference between intermediaries. Our professional technical team and customer service personnel provide one-on-one services to ensure customer privacy during the recycling process.