Tell us about your business
Based in Singapore, Clean Earth Technologies, is an EnviroTech commercialization company that focuses on the identification, development and commercialization of research for non-toxic, environmentally friendly industry processes and technologies. This passion for commercialization is at the heart of our ESG and Circular Economy leadership to address real-world environmental problems.
On average, approximately 18 tonnes of toxic waste is produced to create a wedding ring.
Our first solution, Clean Mining Pty Ltd owns the technology to the award-winning, non-toxic gold recovery process using thiosulfate, developed by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. The solution has been in development for more than a decade including an in-field pilot validation in Australia. To-date, results have proven that this solution can be the non-toxic mineral processing technology of the future and as an alternative to toxic cyanide and mercury, it will set “a new gold standard” for non toxic gold mining production worldwide.
Additionally, Clean Urban Mining Pty Ltd was formed in mid-2021. Many companies are using Cyanide, Acids or smelting/burning of e-waste to recover the precious metals, with the remainder being burned or put into landfill. Our unique, non-toxic process is used to not only recover the precious metals, but we are also looking to recycle the remaining plastics to reduce the waste from going into landfill, making our solution a true circular economy solution. This solution formed part of the collaboration with Flinders University in Adelaide which won the Australian Prime Ministers award for Innovation. With a factory currently being built in Adelaide, the intent is to expand processing operations into Singapore in 2022.
What’s your role all about?
I’m the Co-Founder and Group CEO. My role is extremely diverse working closely with our Sales, Engineering, Operations & Solution teams in Singapore and Australia. With over 400 opportunities currently in discussion across the globe, the current focus is the expansion of our teams and partner network with plans currently in place for Noth America, South America & Europe.
In addition, I am also working very closely with global key stakeholders from government departments and industry partners in ensuring that our genuine non-toxic technologies help them achieve their vision to remain sustainable and environmentally compliant.
What’s the hot topic in your sector right now?
- ESG Compliance
On the back of regulatory demands in some countries and a legitimate view on ESG, as you will see from our sales pipeline, a number of companies are looking at alternatives to Cyanide and Mercury in the gold mining process. Unfortunately, however, there is still a long way to go with many companies still “Greenwashing” their operations when it comes down to their ESG pogrammes and the use of toxic processes.
To support this need, coupled with a realisation that things need to change, consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious and are now seeking ethically sourced jewellery. Hopefully with the convergence of these two forces, solutions like ours can make a difference.
- Electronic Waste
The gold content found in eWaste is much higher than the average levels found in gold ore, which is currently 5-10 g of gold per ton of ore, making it a rich alternative to traditional mining. It is estimated that 20-50 million metric tons of eWaste is disposed in landfills around the world each year. Given this, eWaste is now the fastest growing waste stream in the world.
Why are you a member of AustCham in Singapore?
Connections and opportunities.
Being part of the AustCham network allows us to meet others from different industries while expanding business connections. It is the perfect networking platform for Australian businesses that chose to establish itself in Singapore.
Where are your favourite places to go to relax in Singapore?
Living in Sentosa, you could be mistaken to feel that you are on holiday. However, as much as I like to take the opportunity to take advantage of the environment, my favorite place to relax is with friends and family with good food and a good wine.
What are your predictions for the next 12 months?
Businesses and society in general need to function without restrictions, disruptions, etc and people need to interact face-to-face. I feel that on the back of current learnings, vaccination programmes and other treatments in the pipeline, companies and individuals will learn to live with the virus and be less focused on the fear promoted by case numbers and more focused on the management of target groups to control morbidity statistics.