Nickel
RACSO is a marketer of nickel, as well as a recycler of nickel-containing materials such as batteries. Our marketing business markets nickel and nickel concentrates, as well as by-products and ferronickel. We market other metals as a by-product of nickel production, including cobalt, copper, precious metals, and platinum-group metals. Nickel is mainly used in the production of stainless steel because it improves its strength and resistance to corrosion. Nickel is also used in certain types of steel which lower magnetic properties.
Zinc & Lead
RACSO is active in the marketing, and recycling of zinc and lead. Lead is used in various industries such as automotive, electronics and aerospace. A major application for lead is in vehicle batteries – from traditional internal combustion engines to the batteries which support safety mechanisms in electric vehicles. Lead is also used in storage technologies, for example in data centers and telecommunication systems, as well as in emergency power generators for hospitals and other vital services.
Zinc is mainly used for the coating galvanizing of steel and iron to protect them from rust and corrosion. This makes zinc and important material in buildings, vehicles, in household and electrical appliances, but also in the infrastructure required for solar energy generation. Because of their strength and flexibility, zinc alloys are often used to make industrial die castings – such as the ones needed to produce vehicle or machine parts. And since Zinc is also needed to produce brass and bronze, it is often a component of musical instruments, too.
Cobalt
RACSO is a marketer of cobalt, a metal expected to become one of the most important raw materials in the transition towards a low-carbon economy due to its use in rechargeable batteries and renewable energy technologies. Cobalt is used for rechargeable batteries powering devices such as cameras, mobile phones, and laptops.
Copper
RACSOis a marketer of copper.We supply a wide range of customers from the automotive, electronics and construction sectors. Copper is used in electronic products such as wiring and connectors, as well as renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.As an alloy, copper is hard and resists both heat and corrosion that’s why it is perfectly suited for fresh water supply lines and plumbing fittings as well as cookware. Copper’s antimicrobial properties can support infection control in hospitals and care environments.