Europe’s second largest tin recycler, Fenix Metals in Poland, is installing a vacuum distillation unit to produce up to 3,500 tpy of refined tin. The installation is expected to be commissioned in August this year. Fenix Metals commenced operation in 2004 as a secondary tin smelter and solder producer and has enjoyed continuous expansion since. While being a major supplier of tin-lead alloys to many European markets, the new installation will enable Fenix Metals to also supply pure tin and more lead-free solder products to its customers. Belgium’s Metallo Chimique is Europe’s largest secondary tin refiner, with 2007 production of 8,372 tonnes.
The Polish plant will be installed by the inventors of the vacuum distillation technology, Dan-Engineering of Copenhagen, Denmark. Dan-Engineering is the majority shareholder in Fenix Metals, which is a joint venture with Stoop N.V. of Belgium.
Falcon Metals in Dubai, which is a sister company to Fenix Metals and member of the Dan-Engineering Group, is also planning the installation of vacuum technology, which is expected to be operational in 2009 with a similar capacity.
