Nord Engineering acquires 60% of BTT Italia

Nord Engineering takes a decisive step towards strengthening its role in the circular economy by acquiring 60% of BTT Italia, part of the LEM Industries group and a leader in the design and construction of plants for refining precious metals from WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment).

The acquisition follows an industrial collaboration started in 2023 to develop innovative containers for WEEE collection. By entering the capital of BTT Italia, Nord Engineering completes the value chain for this waste, from collection to refining, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable solutions. The synergy between the two companies makes it possible to optimise the recovery of materials such as gold, platinum, copper and palladium, meeting the needs of key sectors such as automotive, defence, aerospace and electronics.

The operation comes at a time when WEEE management is still an open challenge. According to the WEEE Coordination Centre, 349,345 tonnes of electronic waste were collected in Italy in 2023, 3.1% less than the previous year. The overall collection rate stands at 30%, far from the 65% target set by the European Union in 2019. In addition, the new Critical Raw Materials Act, in force since 2024, requires at least 25% of the critical raw materials used in the EU to come from recycling by 2030.

Nord Engineering and BTT Italia respond to these challenges with an integrated model that combines widespread collection and advanced refining. Thanks to patented hydrometallurgical technology, the refining processes cut CO₂ emissions by 80% compared with traditional methods, minimising the environmental impact of mining. An urban network of smart containers and modular plants will also maximise the value of the recovered materials, with significant economic and environmental benefits.

With an established presence in strategic markets such as Europe and South America, the two companies are ready to take on new global challenges, developing tailored solutions for cities of every size. A further distinctive feature of the partnership is the possibility of integrating urban mining into the urban plans of newly conceived cities, such as Neom in Saudi Arabia or Samarkand in Uzbekistan, where sustainability and waste management are an integral part of architectural and engineering planning.

The operation reflects a shared vision that sees the circular economy not only as an opportunity for economic growth but also as a concrete contribution to global sustainability. Malachy Musso, CEO of Nord Engineering, considers the acquisition a fundamental step to make WEEE disposal easier, increase recovery rates and reduce dependence on foreign supplies of strategic raw materials. This is especially relevant since most of the WEEE collected in Italy, about 90%, is still exported, with a great waste of resources.

For its part, BTT Italia sees the partnership as recognition of its commitment to research and development. The combination of its patented hydrometallurgical technology and Nord Engineering’s design capabilities speeds up the transition towards more sustainable business models and opens new opportunities internationally.

Confindustria Cisambiente also welcomed the operation, highlighting how the collaboration between the two companies creates a centre of excellence for WEEE management and refining: a concrete example of how Italian companies can play a leading role in strategic sectors of the circular economy.