Group 1 - Iridium is a rare precious metal with a density close to that of gold, historically used to adulterate gold due to its similar properties [2] - The market situation has dramatically changed, with iridium's market price now significantly exceeding that of gold, reversing its previous role in gold adulteration [4] - Iridium, including iridium powder, titanium-coated iridium, and iridium alloy materials, has become highly valuable in the precious metal recycling market [6]

Core Viewpoint - Iridium is a rare precious metal with significant applications in high-end industrial, technological, and research fields, particularly in Tianjin, China, where its application and recycling are becoming increasingly important [1]. Application Areas of Iridium Powder - Iridium powder is primarily used in chemical catalysts, especially in petroleum refining and organic chemical reactions, due to its high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and strong catalytic activity [2]. - In the electronics industry, iridium powder is widely used in manufacturing electrical contact materials, switches, and relays, making it essential for high-end electrical equipment, particularly in aerospace and military communications [4]. - Iridium powder plays a crucial role in high-temperature alloys, being a key component in alloy materials for advanced equipment like aircraft engines and rocket engines, ensuring stability and longevity in extreme high-temperature environments [5]. - In the medical field, iridium powder is utilized in the production of certain radioactive drugs, particularly in targeted radiation therapy for cancer treatment [6]. Importance and Market Outlook of Iridium Powder Recycling - The recycling of iridium powder has significant economic and environmental value globally, as it reduces resource waste and lowers production costs, making it an important industry trend in industrial hubs like Tianjin [8]. - The main sources for iridium powder recycling include waste catalysts, discarded electronic components, and industrial waste, with high-precision chemical separation technology required to extract iridium from these sources [9]. Recycling Prices - The recycling price of iridium powder is relatively high, typically ranging from 350 to 500 RMB per gram in Tianjin, influenced by market demand and supply conditions, as well as fluctuations in prices of other precious metals like palladium and platinum [10]. Challenges and Technical Requirements in Recycling - Despite the significant economic benefits of iridium powder recycling, technical challenges remain, including the need for precise chemical purification processes and advanced equipment to meet high purity requirements [11]. Future Prospects of Iridium Powder Recycling in Tianjin - With the increasing global demand for rare metals, the iridium powder recycling industry is expected to mature, particularly in Tianjin, which has strong production and technical foundations [12]. - The growing demand for iridium in sectors such as new energy, electronics, and aerospace, along with stricter environmental policies and improved legal frameworks, will enhance the efficiency and economic benefits of iridium powder recycling [12].

Group 1: Iridium Metal Industry - Iridium, a platinum group metal, is referred to as an "industrial vitamin" due to its critical applications in chip manufacturing, hydrogen energy, and environmental management, with prices stabilizing at 1133-1147 yuan per gram as of July 2025 [1] - In the semiconductor industry, iridium is essential for 3nm chip circuit nodes, enhancing mobile signal penetration through concrete by 40% [1] - The electrochemical sector accounts for 45.21% of iridium's downstream demand, significantly contributing to hydrogen production and fuel cells, with iridium catalysts in solid-state batteries increasing charging speed by three times [1] Group 2: Recycling Market in Huzhou - Huzhou's recycling market showcases various companies with distinct service offerings and pricing structures, with base recovery prices for iridium ranging from 999 to 1000 yuan per gram, and potential premiums based on material quality [3][4] - A notable case involved a recycling company processing semiconductor waste with 1.5% iridium content, achieving a recovery price of 280 yuan per gram, resulting in a profit of 820,000 yuan per ton [3] Group 3: Price Composition and Market Dynamics - The iridium content in electronic waste is typically below 0.1%, while semiconductor target material waste can contain 1.5%-3% iridium, influencing recovery prices [4] - Government subsidies of 15,000 yuan per ton for processing iridium-containing waste and a 40% cost reduction for companies using microwave pyrolysis technology are key market drivers [4][6] Group 4: Environmental Policies and Technological Innovations - Huzhou plans to establish 1,200 recycling points by 2025, integrating with municipal waste collection systems to enhance recycling efficiency [6] - Tax incentives for companies meeting resource utilization criteria include a 15% reduction in corporate income tax, promoting industry growth [7] - Technological advancements such as bioleaching and microwave pre-treatment are reducing recovery costs and improving processing efficiency, with some methods achieving a threefold increase in waste treatment capacity [8][9] Group 5: Future Trends and Demand Projections - The global hydrogen energy sector is projected to require 50 tons of iridium annually by 2030, prompting Huzhou to develop a national-level precious metal recycling base [10] - The value of iridium in electronic waste, particularly in gold-plated circuit boards, is often underestimated, highlighting the need for precise detection methods [10] - The aerospace industry is also a growing market for iridium, with its application in titanium alloy blades demonstrating exceptional corrosion resistance at high temperatures [11]