MOENV Highlights Potential Value of Wastewater Mining

Taiwan Ministry of Environment (MOENV) hosted the “Heavy Metal Wastewater Resource Utilization Forum” on July 28, 2025, in Taipei, spotlighting the recovery of valuable resources such as copper and nickel from wastewater and industrial sludge. Experts from academia, industry, and equipment suppliers shared technologies like electrochemistry, crystallization, ion exchange resins, and membrane reactors that enable wastewater to be transformed from a pollutant source into a circular economy asset. MOENV estimated that wastewater resource recovery could generate over NT$3.5 billion annually, cut chemical costs by more than 20%, and reduce sludge treatment costs by over 50%. Successful examples include electrolytic recovery of 3,000 metric tons of copper annually, membrane filtration boosting sludge metal content from 3-4% to over 10%, and crystallization producing nickel sulfate of over 99% purity.

Deputy Minister Yeh Jiunn-Horng emphasized that wastewater mining reflects Taiwan’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with global circular economy trends. MOENV is driving a shift toward green transitions by revising key regulations, offering loan guarantees, and establishing demonstration sites. Local funding and economic incentives will further support innovative, low-carbon, and energy-saving wastewater treatment technologies. By transforming pollutants into valuable resources, Taiwan is leading the way in turning wastewater treatment into an economic and environmental win, strengthening both industrial competitiveness and environmental protection.

Reference: https://service.moenv.gov.tw/File/Get/moenv-en/en/T6PcDAUOpAI3B5a