This collaboration, spearheaded by DE&S DESA, not only supports environmental goals but also returns valuable resources to the UK economy.

Through our partnership, The Royal Mint’s new plant based in South Wales, uses world-first patented technology developed by Canada-based company Excir, to recover precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper from redundant Defence industry electronic equipment.

This approach ensures that we are helping to minimise the environmental impact of electronic waste and works towards a circular economy focused on reuse and regeneration.

The partnership exemplifies how our innovative procurement is driving sustainability within the UK. With shared commitments to sustainability and security, the partnership with DE&S DESA – the MOD’s authority for selling surplus military equipment – ensures that tonnes of unwanted electronic defence equipment, often containing high levels of precious metals, will be securely processed each year and transformed from waste into valuable resources.

What does this mean for Defence?

The recovered materials can be purchased by The Royal Mint for use in its sustainably sourced products or returned for reuse by the MOD. Through our work, we are constantly searching for new ways to improve our recycling portfolio by reuse, resale or recovery of valuable metals, and this initiative is a key enabler for our continuing sustainability and circular economy journey.

By converting redundant non-saleable defence assets into valuable resources, DESA is reducing disposal costs, minimizing environmental impacts, and securing the UK’s access to critical minerals, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and delivering value for money through innovative solutions.