Umicore is a global materials technology company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with a primary focus on sustainable solutions in catalysis, energy materials and recycling. Tracing its origins to Union Minière, founded in 1805, the firm transformed into Umicore in 2001 to emphasize cleaner technologies and the circular economy. Over its history, the company has evolved from traditional mining and smelting activities into a diversified provider of advanced materials and services addressing environmental and energy challenges.
The company’s Catalysis business unit specializes in emission control solutions for both gasoline and diesel engines, supplying automotive and industrial manufacturers with catalytic converters and precious metal-based catalysts. In addition, the Energy & Surface Technologies segment develops and produces key materials for rechargeable batteries, including cobalt- and nickel-based cathodes used in electric vehicles, as well as specialty chemicals and metal powders for electronics, surface treatment and wear-resistant applications.
Umicore’s Recycling activities complete its circular business model by collecting and refining end-of-life materials, including spent automotive catalysts, electronic scrap and rechargeable batteries. Through state-of-the-art smelting and refining processes, the company recovers precious and rare metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, cobalt and lithium, which are then reintroduced into new product cycles, reducing reliance on virgin raw materials and minimizing environmental impact.
Operating in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas, Umicore serves a diverse customer base ranging from automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers to electronics and chemical industries. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Mathias Miedreich, the company continues to invest in research and development, forging partnerships and expanding production capacity to meet growing demand for sustainable technologies and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.
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