Phoenix Refining

10/10/2026

Spent swimming pool salt cells are often treated as worthless maintenance debris. A technician replaces a failed Hayward TurboCell, Pentair IntelliChlor, AutoPilot cell, or commercial chlorination cassette, and often tosses the old unit into a scrap bin or discards it with other equipment waste. But a “dead” salt cell is not necessarily devoid of value. Many contain recoverable ruthenium and iridium, high-value platinum-group metals used in the catalytic coatings on their titanium electrodes.

Spent swimming pool salt cells are often treated as worthless maintenance debris. A technician replaces a failed Hayward TurboCell, Pentair IntelliChlor, AutoPilot cell, or commercial chlorination cassette, and often tosses the old unit into a scrap bin or discards it with other equipment waste.

10/03/2026

While many buyers have paused their silver purchases, Phoenix Refining continues to actively buy. We remain committed to maintaining strong, transparent relationships with our suppliers and are currently purchasing silver in all forms for refining and recovery.

If you have silver material available, send us a message today, let’s discuss how we can work together.

10/01/2026

Roughly 95% of the world’s primary iridium originates in just two countries: South Africa, which contributes approximately 80–85%, and Russia, which supplies another 11–15%. Nearly all of that material comes from two exceptional geological provinces—the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa and the Norilsk-Talnakh mining region in Siberia. This is not simply a matter of mining economics. It is the result of a geological lottery that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.

Iridium is one of the rarest and most strategically important metals in the modern economy. It is essential in high-temperature crystal-growth crucibles, chemical catalysts, aerospace components, premium spark plugs, industrial radiography, and most visibly proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyze

09/25/2026

An industrial titanium–ruthenium (Ti/Ru) anode can reach the end of its operating life while still containing half its original precious metal. This apparent contradiction reflects a fundamental distinction: the amount of ruthenium remaining in an electrode is not the same as the amount still capable of performing electrochemical work.

An industrial titanium–ruthenium (Ti/Ru) anode can reach the end of its operating life while still containing half its original precious metal. This apparent contradiction reflects a fundamental distinction: the amount of ruthenium remaining in an electrode is not the same as the amount still capa...

09/21/2026

When a titanium screen reaches the end of its operating life, it may look like ordinary industrial scrap. Although these coatings make up only a small fraction of the screen's total weight, their recoverable precious-metal content can significantly increase its scrap value.

At Phoenix Refining, that is why we actively buy decommissioned Ti/Ru and other PGM-bearing MMO scrap. We see these materials not simply as discarded titanium but as potential sources of recoverable platinum-group metals. For facility managers and procurement teams, the opportunity is straightforward: before selling spent MMO screens as titanium scrap, find out what remains in the coating.

When a titanium screen reaches the end of its operating life, it may look like ordinary industrial scrap. For chlor-alkali plants, electrochlorination systems, water treatment facilities, and certain printed circuit board manufacturing operations, that retired equipment can contain an overlooked sou

09/16/2026

We’re looking for ruthenium scrap suppliers. Phoenix Refining is actively buying Ru scrap of all types and looking to build long-term relationships with suppliers. Have ruthenium scrap available? Contact us today at [email protected] or +1 (281) 975-1994

09/15/2026

When a titanium mesh anode starts drawing excessive voltage, production managers know exactly what happens next: energy consumption rises, cell efficiency drops, and eventually the screen is taken out of service. Once labeled 'spent,' it can go into a scrap bin and is mainly valued for the titanium it contains. These platinum group metals might be present only as an extremely thin surface coating, but because of their rarity and high value, they can be economically important.

When a titanium mesh anode starts drawing excessive voltage, production managers know exactly what happens next: energy consumption rises, cell efficiency drops, and eventually the screen is taken out of service. Once labeled 'spent,' it can go into a scrap bin and is mainly valued for the titanium

09/11/2026

The platinum-group metals market is undergoing a structural realignment as platinum and palladium, long linked through their use in vehicle emissions systems, face increasingly different supply-and-demand conditions. For most of the decade before 2024, palladium was selling at a large premium to platinum. The result of tighter emissions regulations for gasoline vehicles and limited production from mines was a continuous shortage of palladium and a sharp rise in prices. This situation is now changing.

The platinum-group metals market is undergoing a structural realignment as platinum and palladium, long linked through their use in vehicle emissions systems, face increasingly different supply-and-demand conditions. For most of the decade before 2024, palladium was selling at a large premium to pla

09/10/2026

Iridium is becoming a vital material in the shift to green hydrogen because its ability to withstand extreme heat, corrosion, and harsh electrochemical conditions makes it essential for several specialized industrial uses, particularly in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers.

The same durability that contributes to iridium's industrial value also makes it difficult to sample, analyze, and recycle. With demand rising while supply remains highly limited, accurate analysis has become essential for both commercial transactions and establishing a reliable secondary market.

Rising iridium demand makes accurate assaying more important as scarcity, complex materials, and difficult testing methods complicate precious metal recovery.

09/07/2026

Today, we honor the dedication, and contributions of every individual who shapes our country.