Australian Company Perfect Metals Develops Low-Temperature Process for Tin Production

Perfect Metals, an Australian company, has developed a new low-temperature electrolytic process to convert cassiterite directly into high-purity tin powder. This innovative process could revolutionize tin production by reducing energy inputs and enhancing sustainability.

Electrolytic processes are widely used for metal purification and electroplating, and Perfect Metals has previously applied these technologies to chrome powder production in 2023. Now, they aim to do the same for tin, using a process powered by solar cells that also produces green hydrogen as a by-product, adding to its environmental benefits.

The company employs a modular plant design that allows production to be scaled through the use of "pods," offering the potential to localize tin production and minimize the need for ore transportation. This approach could help diversify the tin supply chain and support small-scale, decentralized production.

As low-carbon production methods gain traction across the metals industry, Perfect Metals’ development represents a promising step toward reducing the carbon footprint of tin production. While many similar processes remain in the experimental stage, this new technology may provide a commercially viable option for sustainable metal production.