Comstock Metals, the solar‑panel recycling arm of Comstock Inc., has secured its final Air‑Quality Permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, clearing the last regulatory hurdle for its planned facility in Silver Springs. The permit authorizes the plant to process more than 3 million panels per year—equivalent to 100,000 tons of waste photovoltaics—placing it among the largest single‑site recyclers in the United States.
The facility will employ the company’s proprietary thermal delamination technology, which the firm claims is the only North American system certified for zero‑landfill solar‑panel recycling. The technology separates panels into recoverable materials—glass, silicon, copper, and rare‑earth metals—without generating hazardous waste, a feature that could give Comstock a competitive edge as regulators tighten environmental standards.
The U.S. end‑of‑life solar‑panel market is projected to grow from 3.3 million panels in 2025 to 33 million by 2030, creating a massive supply of recyclable material. By positioning its Nevada plant to capture a share of this expanding market, Comstock aims to generate revenue from tipping fees and the resale of recovered metals, while also supporting the broader circular‑economy narrative that is increasingly important to investors and policymakers.
Comstock Inc. has faced financial challenges in recent quarters, reporting a net loss of $53 million in the latest year and a 2025 EPS of –$0.31. However, a $34.5 million equity raise in Q3 2025 eliminated debt and strengthened the balance sheet, providing the capital needed to fund the recycling venture. The parent company’s diversified portfolio—spanning mining, real estate, and renewable fuels—means the recycling initiative represents a strategic pivot toward higher‑margin, environmentally focused operations.
President Dr. Fortunato Villamagna said the permit “demonstrates the effectiveness of our partnership with Nevada regulators and underscores our commitment to a zero‑landfill solution.” CEO Corrado De Gasperis added that the facility “aligns with our long‑term goal of transforming waste into valuable resources while improving our financial resilience.”
With the permit in hand, Comstock Metals is poised to begin commissioning the plant in the first quarter of 2026. The milestone not only unlocks a new revenue stream but also signals the company’s readiness to scale its technology and capture a growing share of the U.S. solar‑panel recycling market.
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