Recycling Tungsten Scrap in Brazil: Opportunities and Challenges
- Julio Cesar
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Recycling high-performance metals is a crucial pillar for a sustainable industrial future. Among these metals, tungstenstands out due to its exceptional properties, such as high hardness, extremely high melting point, and outstanding wear resistance. In Brazil, the tungsten recycling chain has been gaining momentum, fueled by the expansion of industries like mining, oil & gas, aerospace, and precision tool manufacturing.
Types of Tungsten Scrap and Related Materials
Tungsten scrap appears in various forms on the recycling market, each requiring specific processes for collection, sorting, and material recovery. The main categories include:
1. Cemented Carbide Scrap (Metal Hard Scrap)
Cemented carbide — often referred to as "hard metal" — is typically made of tungsten carbide (WC) bonded with cobalt (Co) or other metals. It's widely used in cutting tools, drills, milling cutters, and machining inserts. Recycling this type of scrap involves grinding, chemical separation, and reprocessing into new materials, maintaining a high portion of tungsten's strategic value.
2. High-Speed Steel (HSS) Tool Scrap
High-speed steels such as M2, M35, M42, among others, are also valuable sources of tungsten and related metals. Though containing lower tungsten content than cemented carbide, these steels also include molybdenum, vanadium, and cobalt, making them highly desirable for recycling. Proper segregation of these scraps is essential to maximize recovery and meet the technical specifications demanded by mills and refineries.
3. Residual Scraps: Tungsten Sludge and Powder
An often-overlooked but highly important segment is the fine residual material generated during machining processes — tungsten grinding sludge and powders. These byproducts, originating from sharpening, grinding, and polishing operations, can contain significant amounts of WC and Co. Efficient recovery of these residues not only adds economic value but also prevents serious environmental impacts from improper disposal.
The Tungsten Recycling Process
The recycling of tungsten scrap requires a series of specialized technical steps to ensure optimal material recovery:
Sorting and separation by material type: Proper identification between cemented carbide, high-speed steel, and fine residues is critical for maintaining material integrity.
Physical and chemical treatment: Depending on the form of the scrap (solid or fine), techniques such as crushing, flotation, chemical leaching, or reverse sintering are applied.
Refining and reprocessing: Recycled materials are converted into new tungsten powders or sintered products, achieving performance characteristics similar to virgin materials.
Strategic Importance of Tungsten Recycling in Brazil
Brazil still relies heavily on imported sources of critical high-performance metals. Investing in local recycling solutions offers several advantages:
Reduction of dependence on imported raw materials
Lower environmental footprint for industrial supply chains
Creation of economic value from industrial waste
Contribution to ESG and circular economy practices
Additionally, the rising global demand for critical metals — driven by energy transition initiatives, battery technologies, and green innovations — makes tungsten recycling a true growth opportunity for the Brazilian industrial sector.
How J2 Metals Supports the Recycling Chain
At J2 Metals Brasil, we are committed to adding value to the specialty metals recycling chain. We operate across the entire process of sourcing, classifying, and responsibly managing tungsten-containing scrap, offering customized solutions for:
Cemented carbide (WC-Co) scrap
High-speed steel (HSS) tools (M2, M35, M42)
Tungsten sludge and machining powders
Mixed refractory alloy scrap
Our global network and expertise in handling complex recycling operations ensure the highest technical and commercial recovery for our partners, always aligned with best environmental practices.
Conclusion
Tungsten recycling is essential for building a sustainable industrial future. In Brazil, initiatives like those led by J2 Metals demonstrate that it is possible to turn high-value industrial waste into strategic resources, driving innovation, competitiveness, and environmental stewardship.
If you have cemented carbide scrap, high-speed steel tools, or tungsten machining residues, reach out to us. We are ready to assess your materials and offer the best recycling solutions in the market.
