Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation’s leading recycler of electronic waste, announced today that it has reached an agreement with LS-Nikko Copper, one of the world’s largest copper smelters, to further extend the partnership and investment between the two organizations.
Having launched the initial investment and partnership with ERI late last year, Korea-based LS-Nikko Copper kicked-off an investment in the tremendous promise of “urban mining” as a resource for precious metals. The relationship also provided a home for the massive volume of commodities that come from ERI’s electronic waste recycling facilities.
As part of the new agreement, LS-Nikko Copper has invested millions of dollars and has increased its minority investment position in ERI.
“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be extending our relationship with one of the world’s top brands and business families – LS-Nikko Copper and the Koo family,” said John S. Shegerian, ERI’s Chairman and CEO. “Growing and building upon our existing partnership makes sense for the environment and offers even more opportunities for commodity recovery because electronic waste remains the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world today. That this great brand has chosen to build upon its relationship with us makes us particularly proud.”
“Proper waste management is not just a business option any more, but one of the compulsory requirements of mankind,” said Dr. S.W. Kang, President and CEO of LS-Nikko Copper. “Everyone should try to reduce waste, and all waste should be managed safely and with the right environmental processes in place. With this in mind, I think we have to consider the recycling business as a public utility rather than a commercial profit center. I believe LS-Nikko Copper and our US Partner ERI can continue to make significant developments in waste management and our efforts together will also continue to better society.”
LS-Nikko Copper plays a significant role in the development of the world’s electric and electronics industries by producing and supplying high quality basic materials while opening the door to the future of copper smelting with innovative technology recognized the world over. The company is also a green business trailblazer.