The history of Umicore can be traced back to 200 years ago precisely on December 17, 1805, when Napoleon Bonaparte granted Jean Dony control of the Vieille-Montagne mine in Moresnet, which is today the border between Belgium and Germany. In 1906, another Umicore tendril known as Union Miniere which produced Copper and other metals in Congo commenced.
However, in 1989, there was a merger between Union Minière with its subsidiaries (Vieille-Montagne, Mechim, and Metallurgie Hoboken-Overpelt) which transformed Union Minière into an integrated industrial group. Today, Umicore has grown to become a leading global material technology and recycling firm with over 10, 000 employees and a turnover of €12.3 billion.
The firm which generates most of its revenue from clean technologies, such as materials for rechargeable batteries, emission control catalysts, and recycling has an overriding goal of sustainable value creation based on an ambition to develop, produce and recycle materials in a way that fulfills its mission statement which is materials for a better life.
In 2003, Umicore acquired PMG which is a former precious metals unit of the German Degussa group to add a new dimension to its business and create a major presence in the automotive catalyst sector.
Precious metals
One of the major industries in which Umicore specializes in that of precious metals and they do this in three different ways:
- Recycling and recovering precious & specialty metals: In today's industrial society, where the use of different metals has increased tremendously, and end of life products are becoming more complex, Umicore owns and operates one of the world most refined precious metal recycling facility. The firm recently expanded its operations to Hoboken, Belgium to compete with this increasing demand and complexity. In addition, Umicore recovers more than 20 precious and non-ferrous metals from used electronic scrap, industrial residues, fuel cells, automotive and industrial catalysts. Umicore makes use of complex lead/coppers as collectors for precious metals and others.
- Physical delivery and price-hedging of precious metals: Umicore is also known as a global leader in the supply of all types of precious metals. The firms deliver to countries worldwide through close network, reliable partners, and banks. Umicore also makes use of its extensive expertise in offering customized and tailor-made solutions for all questions about global delivery of precious stones to her customers. The firm has a precious metal management team which acts as a link between recycling activities and producers who are in need of these precious metals.
- Precious metals for jewelry and industrial applications: Umicore delivers high-quality products and solutions for commercial and industrial use. The firm also offers precious stones for crafting and production of new jewelry while recycling old once. Umicore main activities are to supply base resources for wholesalers, precious metals, processors jewelers, gold and silversmiths. Umicore also provides semi-finished wares and alloys for industrial soldering products and manufacture globally.
