Top:  Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International John S. Shegerian and Chairman of LS-Nikko C.M. Koo, along with other representatives of LS-Nikko following the signing of an agreement between the two companies.  LS-Nikko, one of the world’s largest copper smelters, has guaranteed a home for ERI’s enormous amount of commodities.

Bottom:  Congressman Jim Costa (center) with ERI representatives and the Korean delegation in a photo taken at ERI’s Fresno facility in August.

Fresno, CA (Dec. 16, 2009) - A significant match has been made as Fresno-based Electronic Recyclers International has reached an agreement with LS-Nikko Copper, one of the world’s largest copper smelters.

Due to the partnership, Korea-based LS-Nikko Copper has invested in “urban mining” as a resource for precious metals.  In turn, the massive amount of commodities that go through ERI’s six electronic waste recycling facilities across the country now have a guaranteed home.  In another aspect of the agreement, LS-Nikko obtains a minority investment position in ERI.

“By doing this, it substantiates the fact that ERI is truly the recycling leader of electronics across the United States,” said ERI Chairman and CEO John Shegerian.  “And that to us, after five years of growing this company is really an honor and a very humbling experience.”

LS-Nikko’s partnership with ERI will allow the electronics-recycling giant to expand upon its current seven locations across the United States to 10-12 in the next two years.  It will also enable the company to build better electronic waste shredders, and look at other technologies for glass and plastics.

Shegerian said that ERI is one of the largest urban mining companies in the world.  Urban mining, he said, is above-ground mining and represents mining’s future.

“It’s making sure products that shouldn’t be going into landfills are being demanufactured appropriately, and then going to great smelters around the world so it can be used again,” Shegerian said.  “And reuse is one of the keys of recycling.”

LS-Nikko represents three different brands.  The first, the LS brand, is a publicly traded company in Korea.  Nikko is one of Japan’s top brands.  The third is LG Electronics, founded by the Koo family.  This partnership is highly beneficial for all parties involved.

“And so now they are ensuring their feedstock by investing in us and getting back the copper from us in the United States into their smelters, which is great for the environment, and also great for their company and great for ERI,” Shegerian said.

After five years of being in existence, Shegerian said that ERI is ending its “pioneer days.”

“Now we’re moving into a new segment of our growth as the leaders of our industry,” he said.  “It’s time to now lead and have other companies follow our green DNA example.”

ERI currently has seven locations across the United States, one in Massachusetts, Indiana, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and two in Fresno, Calif.  Its Fresno facility is home to the world’s largest e-waste shredder.  ERI’s online presence includes the Web sites www.electronicrecyclers.com and www.1800recycling.com.

“We’re so pleased to find the right recycling partner in the USA, and I believe LS-Nikko and ERI can make a significant development in the waste management and our efforts could help make the better society,” said president and CEO of LS-Nikko Dr. S.W. Kang.

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