International Tin Association explores new strategic tin technologies
It’s an exciting time for innovation in tin technologies, and ITA has been reaching out to some of the leading research teams in focus areas that will be strategically important to the future of the tin industry.
Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries and tin is being explored as a promising anode material. It has excellent sodium-ion storage capacity, potentially enabling the matching or surpassing lithium-ion battery performance in the future.
ITA’s technology team is opening contacts with some of the research pioneers in this field globally, including making visits to researchers at the University of St Andrews and Imperial College London who are both part of the UK’s Nexgenna sodium-ion battery project. It is already clear that breakthroughs in this field could very significantly boost tin demand.
Recovering tin from e-waste is another emerging strategic focus area for the tin industry, with millions of tonnes of electrical and electronics waste generated each year. Printed circuit boards from e-waste are rich in valuable metals like tin, gold, and copper, and so-called ‘urban mining’ is gaining traction.
ITA is engaging with experts from the Royal Mint, Sircel, Bioscope and more to understand their work on innovative tin recovery processes, including pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, and flash joule heating.
New routes to low-carbon tin production are also on the agenda as they are essential for the industry’s journey toward net zero. ITA has also been in contact with startups working on novel approaches to tin production from cassiterite, and we will continue to track research in this area.
By engaging with researchers ITA aims to foster collaboration and build new technology communities, accelerating vital research and development. Tin has an exciting future as a vital element in the technologies of tomorrow.
