Our journey to becoming a leading circular materials technology company
Umicore’s history stretches back more than 200 years, with roots in mining and smelting. We have now grown far beyond these early days, and have transformed into a global leader in advanced materials technologies and recycling.
1805
It all begins in 1805 when Napoleon Bonaparte granted Jean Dony control of the Vieille-Montagne mine in Moresnet, on the modern border of Belgium and Germany. This marked the beginning of the oldest predecessor of Umicore as a company today.
1900
At the start of the 1900s, Union Minière, began producing copper and other metals in what was then known as Congo. Starting in the 1960s, as African countries achieved independence, the company was dismantled and sought new mining and refining activities. A merger in 1989 transformed the new Union Minière into an integrated industrial group.
From the 1990s onward, we increasingly found our way as a speciality materials company, selling remaining mining and other non-strategic assets. Our focus was now on precious metals, high-margin zinc products and advanced materials, looking more and more like the Umicore we know today.
2001
In 2001, Umicore was born. The first two letters of our name are a nod to the group’s historical roots. The focus on recycling increased and the acquisition of Precious Metals Group from the German Degussa group brought a new dimension to the company, including a major presence in automotive catalysts.
2007
By 2007, after divesting the copper and zinc activities and at the conclusion of a ten-year transformation process, Umicore was set on developing clean technologies, next generation battery materials, and recycling processes. Umicore also broadened its global presence, especially in Asia.
Rising to the challenges of resource scarcity, emission control, demand for renewable energy and the electrification of transport, Umicore pursued an ambitious technology and business roadmap. We would strive for fully integrated sustainable products and services, closing the loop on valuable resources.
Continuing in our pursuit of clean mobility materials and recycling, Umicore made major investments in lithium-ion battery materials and diesel emission control catalysts across Europe and Asia. Umicore also pioneered sustainable supply chains, being the first company to create a sustainable procurement framework for cobalt and providing ethically sourced materials.
Today
By 2021, Umicore had set new industry standards for sustainability, rebalanced its portfolio of activities, and strengthened its leadership within clean mobility materials and recycling. Our business is driven by the megatrends of enhancing circularity for critical metals, accelerating global mobility transformation and meeting the growing need for advanced materials.
Umicore has become a true transformation partner for its customers, guiding them on their own journey towards sustainability and circularity.