ERI CEO Highlights E-Waste as Key Source for Rare Earth Elements at Texas A&M Summit
Event summary
- ERI CEO John Shegerian delivered a keynote at the Texas A&M Rare Earth Element Recovery Summit on September 10, 2026.
- Shegerian discussed the potential of electronic waste as a source of rare earth elements, framing it as an 'urban mine.'
- The summit focused on recovering Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets and other critical minerals to reduce environmental impact.
- ERI processes over a billion pounds of electronic waste annually across eight certified U.S. facilities.
The big picture
As global demand for clean energy and high-tech devices surges, sustainable sourcing of rare earth elements has become a strategic priority. ERI’s focus on e-waste recycling positions it as a key player in building a secure, domestic supply chain for critical materials. The company’s carbon-neutral and zero-waste operations further strengthen its competitive edge in an increasingly regulated market.
What we're watching
- Industry Collaboration
- How ERI’s partnership with academic institutions will accelerate rare earth element recovery from e-waste.
- Regulatory Shifts
- Whether stricter environmental regulations will boost demand for ERI’s zero-waste recycling services.
- Market Dynamics
- The pace at which the electronics recycling sector can scale to meet growing demand for critical materials.
Related topics