Urban Mining Market
Urban Mining Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Material Source (E-waste, Metal Scrap, Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste, End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Plastic Waste, and Batteries), Technology, Application, End User and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Urban Mining Market is accounted for $25.30 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $71.96 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period. Urban mining involves reclaiming useful materials, including metals and recyclable components, from the various waste streams found in cities. It emphasizes retrieving resources from electronic waste, demolished building materials, used appliances, and other items no longer in use. By viewing urban discards as a source of raw materials, urban mining decreases reliance on conventional mining, cuts environmental harm, and strengthens circular economy initiatives. This practice boosts resource efficiency, reduces landfill burden, and encourages sustainable handling of materials within urban areas.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Growing E-Waste & C&D waste volume
Rising consumption of consumer electronics, coupled with shorter product lifecycles, is generating unprecedented volumes of discarded devices. Similarly, infrastructure expansion and urban redevelopment projects are creating large streams of construction residues. Urban mining technologies are being adopted to recover valuable metals, plastics, and minerals from these waste flows. Innovations in automated sorting and advanced recovery systems are enhancing efficiency across diverse waste categories. This surge in waste generation is positioning urban mining as a critical enabler of resource sustainability and circular economy practices.
Restraint:
Lack of infrastructure and technological gaps
Limited availability of advanced recycling facilities restricts the scale of material recovery. Technological gaps, particularly in precision separation and high-purity extraction, hinder efficiency and profitability. Developing economies often struggle with fragmented waste collection systems, reducing feedstock consistency. High capital requirements for establishing modern recycling plants further slow adoption. These structural limitations make it difficult for the industry to achieve widespread penetration and maximize recovery yields.
Opportunity:
Land reclamation and remediation
Abandoned landfills and contaminated sites can be mined for valuable resources while simultaneously restoring ecological balance. Recovery of metals and construction aggregates from legacy waste reduces reliance on virgin extraction. Emerging technologies such as bioremediation and geo-sensing are enabling safer and more targeted reclamation projects. Governments are increasingly supporting initiatives that combine waste recovery with soil rehabilitation. This dual benefit of resource recovery and environmental restoration is creating new avenues for sustainable growth in the sector.
Threat:
Fluctuations in recycled material prices
Market fluctuations are influenced by global commodity cycles, trade policies, and demand-supply imbalances. Sudden drops in copper, aluminum, or rare earth prices can undermine investment confidence. Recyclers often face difficulty in maintaining stable margins when raw material values swing unpredictably. Dependence on export markets further exposes operators to international price shocks. This instability creates financial risk and can slow the pace of technology adoption in the industry.
Covid-19 Impact:
The pandemic disrupted waste collection and recycling operations, creating short-term challenges for urban mining. Lockdowns led to reduced industrial activity, lowering the supply of recyclable materials. However, the surge in remote work and digital consumption accelerated e-waste generation. Delays in logistics and workforce shortages slowed project execution, but also highlighted the need for resilient recycling systems. Overall, Covid-19 acted as both a stress test and a catalyst, reshaping priorities toward sustainable resource recovery.
The physical separation segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The physical separation segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its role in efficiently sorting and segregating diverse waste streams makes it indispensable. Techniques such as magnetic separation, density-based sorting, and optical scanning are widely deployed. These methods ensure high throughput and cost-effective recovery of metals and aggregates. Continuous innovation in sensor-based sorting is expanding applicability across complex waste categories.
The battery manufacturers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the battery manufacturers segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Rising demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems is driving the need for sustainable raw materials. Urban mining provides a reliable source of lithium, cobalt, and nickel from discarded batteries. Advanced hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes are being developed to maximize recovery efficiency. Partnerships between recyclers and battery producers are accelerating closed-loop supply chains.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China, India, and Japan are generating massive waste volumes. Strong government initiatives supporting recycling and circular economy practices are boosting adoption. Regional players are investing in advanced technologies such as AI-driven sorting and robotics. Cultural emphasis on resource efficiency and sustainability further strengthens market penetration.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to rising awareness of sustainability and stricter environmental regulations are driving demand for advanced recycling solutions. The region is witnessing strong investment in e-waste recovery and battery recycling infrastructure. Emerging trends include integration of blockchain for material traceability and AI for predictive waste management. Collaborations between technology firms and recyclers are accelerating innovation in high-purity extraction.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Urban Mining Market include Umicore, Ganfeng L, Li-Cycle, Ecobat, Redwood, Dowa Holo, Stena Rect, Kuusakosk, Veolia, Electronic, Aurubis, Sims Limit, Boliden, Fortum Ba, Novelis.
Key Developments:
In November 2025, Umicore has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Korea’s HS Hyosung Advanced Materials to advance and fund the industrialization, commercialization and further development of its silicon-carbon composite anode materials for electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries.
In November 2025, Trinidad Coastal Land Trust Launches Free Self-Check-Out for Beach Ready Wheelchair. Trinidad Coastal Land Trust just got one step closer to their goal of making Trinidad beaches more accessible for all.
Material Sources Covered:
• E-waste
• Metal Scrap
• Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste
• End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)
• Plastic Waste
• Batteries
Technologies Covered:
• Physical Separation
• Chemical Recycling
• Mechanical Processing
• Shredding & Granulation
• Hydrometallurgical Processes
• Sensor-Based Sorting
• Pyrometallurgical Processes
• Automated Sorting & Robotics
• Bio-leaching
Applications Covered:
• Precious Metal Recovery
• Plastic Recycling
• Construction Material Recovery
• Resource Circularity Solutions
• Electronic Component Recovery
• Metal Recycling
• Battery Material Recovery
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Metal & Mining Companies
• Automotive Industry
• Electronics Manufacturers
• Government & Municipal Bodies
• Battery Manufacturers
• Recycling Facilities
• Construction Companies
• Waste Management Companies
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Technology Analysis
3.7 Application Analysis
3.8 End User Analysis
3.9 Emerging Markets
3.10 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Urban Mining Market, By Material Source
5.1 Introduction
5.2 E-waste
5.2.1 Consumer Electronics
5.2.2 Industrial Electronics
5.2.3 IT & Telecom Equipment
5.2.4 Household Appliances
5.3 Metal Scrap
5.3.1 Ferrous Metals
5.3.2 Non-Ferrous Metals
5.4 Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste
5.4.1 Concrete
5.4.2 Plastics
5.4.3 Bricks & Ceramics
5.4.4 Glass
5.4.5 Metals
5.5 End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)
5.6 Plastic Waste
5.6.1 PET
5.6.2 HDPE
5.6.3 PVC
5.6.4 LDPE
5.7 Batteries
5.7.1 Lead-Acid Batteries
5.7.2 Lithium-ion Batteries
5.7.3 Nickel-based Batteries
6 Global Urban Mining Market, By Technology
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Physical Separation
6.3 Chemical Recycling
6.4 Mechanical Processing
6.5 Shredding & Granulation
6.6 Hydrometallurgical Processes
6.7 Sensor-Based Sorting
6.8 Pyrometallurgical Processes
6.9 Automated Sorting & Robotics
6.10 Bio-leaching
7 Global Urban Mining Market, By Application
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Precious Metal Recovery
7.3 Plastic Recycling
7.4 Construction Material Recovery
7.5 Resource Circularity Solutions
7.6 Electronic Component Recovery
7.7 Metal Recycling
7.8 Battery Material Recovery
7.9 Other Applications
8 Global Urban Mining Market, By End User
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Metal & Mining Companies
8.3 Automotive Industry
8.4 Electronics Manufacturers
8.5 Government & Municipal Bodies
8.6 Battery Manufacturers
8.7 Recycling Facilities
8.8 Construction Companies
8.9 Waste Management Companies
8.10 Other End Users
9 Global Urban Mining Market, By Geography
9.1 Introduction
9.2 North America
9.2.1 US
9.2.2 Canada
9.2.3 Mexico
9.3 Europe
9.3.1 Germany
9.3.2 UK
9.3.3 Italy
9.3.4 France
9.3.5 Spain
9.3.6 Rest of Europe
9.4 Asia Pacific
9.4.1 Japan
9.4.2 China
9.4.3 India
9.4.4 Australia
9.4.5 New Zealand
9.4.6 South Korea
9.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
9.5 South America
9.5.1 Argentina
9.5.2 Brazil
9.5.3 Chile
9.5.4 Rest of South America
9.6 Middle East & Africa
9.6.1 Saudi Arabia
9.6.2 UAE
9.6.3 Qatar
9.6.4 South Africa
9.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
10 Key Developments
10.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
10.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
10.3 New Product Launch
10.4 Expansions
10.5 Other Key Strategies
11 Company Profiling
11.1 Umicore
11.2 Ganfeng Lithium
11.3 Li-Cycle
11.4 Ecobat
11.5 Redwood Materials
11.6 Dowa Holdings
11.7 Stena Recycling
11.8 Kuusakoski
11.9 Veolia
11.10 Electronic Recyclers International (ERI)
11.11 Aurubis
11.12 Sims Limited
11.13 Boliden
11.14 Fortum Battery Recycling
11.15 Novelis
List of Tables
1 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
2 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Material Source (2024-2032) ($MN)
3 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By E-waste (2024-2032) ($MN)
4 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Consumer Electronics (2024-2032) ($MN)
5 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Industrial Electronics (2024-2032) ($MN)
6 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By IT & Telecom Equipment (2024-2032) ($MN)
7 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Household Appliances (2024-2032) ($MN)
8 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Metal Scrap (2024-2032) ($MN)
9 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Ferrous Metals (2024-2032) ($MN)
10 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Non-Ferrous Metals (2024-2032) ($MN)
11 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste (2024-2032) ($MN)
12 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Concrete (2024-2032) ($MN)
13 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Plastics (2024-2032) ($MN)
14 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Bricks & Ceramics (2024-2032) ($MN)
15 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Glass (2024-2032) ($MN)
16 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Metals (2024-2032) ($MN)
17 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) (2024-2032) ($MN)
18 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Plastic Waste (2024-2032) ($MN)
19 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By PET (2024-2032) ($MN)
20 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By HDPE (2024-2032) ($MN)
21 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By PVC (2024-2032) ($MN)
22 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By LDPE (2024-2032) ($MN)
23 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Batteries (2024-2032) ($MN)
24 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Lead-Acid Batteries (2024-2032) ($MN)
25 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Lithium-ion Batteries (2024-2032) ($MN)
26 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Nickel-based Batteries (2024-2032) ($MN)
27 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Technology (2024-2032) ($MN)
28 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Physical Separation (2024-2032) ($MN)
29 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Chemical Recycling (2024-2032) ($MN)
30 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Mechanical Processing (2024-2032) ($MN)
31 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Shredding & Granulation (2024-2032) ($MN)
32 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Hydrometallurgical Processes (2024-2032) ($MN)
33 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Sensor-Based Sorting (2024-2032) ($MN)
34 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Pyrometallurgical Processes (2024-2032) ($MN)
35 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Automated Sorting & Robotics (2024-2032) ($MN)
36 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Bio-leaching (2024-2032) ($MN)
37 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Application (2024-2032) ($MN)
38 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Precious Metal Recovery (2024-2032) ($MN)
39 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Plastic Recycling (2024-2032) ($MN)
40 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Construction Material Recovery (2024-2032) ($MN)
41 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Resource Circularity Solutions (2024-2032) ($MN)
42 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Electronic Component Recovery (2024-2032) ($MN)
43 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Metal Recycling (2024-2032) ($MN)
44 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Battery Material Recovery (2024-2032) ($MN)
45 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2024-2032) ($MN)
46 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By End User (2024-2032) ($MN)
47 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Metal & Mining Companies (2024-2032) ($MN)
48 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Automotive Industry (2024-2032) ($MN)
49 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Electronics Manufacturers (2024-2032) ($MN)
50 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Government & Municipal Bodies (2024-2032) ($MN)
51 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Battery Manufacturers (2024-2032) ($MN)
52 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Recycling Facilities (2024-2032) ($MN)
53 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Construction Companies (2024-2032) ($MN)
54 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Waste Management Companies (2024-2032) ($MN)
55 Global Urban Mining Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2024-2032) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
List of Figures
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
We at ‘Stratistics’ opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.
Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.
Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.
Data Mining
The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.
Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.
Data Analysis
From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:
- Product Lifecycle Analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Risk analysis
- Porters Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.
Data Validation
The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.
We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.
The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:
- Leading Companies
- Suppliers & Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Consumers
- Industry/Strategic Consultants
Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.
For more details about research methodology, kindly write to us at info@strategymrc.com
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