Representatives from Korea-based LS-Nikko Copper, one of the world’s largest copper smelters, visited Electronic Recyclers International’s Fresno location Thursday afternoon to view their new liaison office at ERI as well as the company’s facilities.

Due to a partnership announced several months ago, LS-Nikko Copper has invested in “urban mining,” or above-ground mining, as a resource for precious metals. In turn, the massive amounts of commodities that go through ERI’s electronic waste recycling facilities across the country have a guaranteed home. In another aspect of the agreement, LS-Nikko has obtained a minority investment position in ERI.

“LS-Nikko Copper has proven their foresight by investing in us and investing in urban mining, and they are the first large smelter in the world to take the position in the new trend of urban mining,” said ERI Chairman and CEO John Shegerian.

CEO of LS-Nikko Copper Seong-Won Kang called ERI’s electronic waste shredder, which is the largest of its kind in the world “very impressive,” and also seemed pleased with the new office.

“Electronic Recyclers International is one of the most important business partners in the world,” Kang said. “We are hoping to expand our recycling business in the United States, and in a sense ERI is our most pleasurable asset in the United States.”

Shegerian took great pride in presenting the visitors with the office in ERI headquarters, which is LS-Nikko’s first in this country.

“It was somewhat emotional,” Shegerian said of the experience. “These are our best partners from Korea, and we’re so honored that they would come over here, invest in Electronic Recyclers International, and put a lot of faith in us to grow our business so we can grow this collaborative partnership together, this urban mining partnership together.”

The partnership is a big boost for ERI, which has the goal of someday being the largest electronic waste recycling brand in the world, and not just the United States.

“This is the greatest partnership that we could have ever dreamed of and we look forward to expanding throughout the United States and also into Asia and into Europe with LS-Nikko Copper as our great partner,” Shegerian said. “And today is just another step in that direction.”