Hidden silver in scrap
Many scrap companies are looking for ways to increase profits from the materials they buy and, after appropriate preparation, resell them further - to smelters, foundries or large intermediaries. The most common way to make a profit is by carefully sorting and refining the scrap fractions to obtain uniform aluminium, pure copper, brass and other raw materials.
However, few entrepreneurs realise that one of the hidden values in scrap metal can be silver. It is not pure silver, which is rare, but silver-plated items, which are much more common.
Silver plating of components has specific advantages, especially where it is required:
- high electrical conductivity,
- corrosion resistance,
- low contact resistance,
- aesthetic surface appearance.
Where to find silver-plated scrap?
Silver-plated aluminium
Most common in high-voltage power generation:
- silver-plated flat bars,
- switching elements and contacts (usually silver),
- cable lugs and terminals,
- transformer and switchgear components,
GSM antenna elements coated on the inside with a layer of silver.
Distinguishing silver-plated aluminium from pure aluminium can be difficult at first glance as both metals have a silvery sheen
Pure aluminium: has a dull, slightly grey tint, especially after oxidation (becomes covered with oxide).
Silver-plated aluminium: is shinier, and can have a 'cold', bright sheen similar to chrome or stainless steel. Sometimes silver can tarnish and become covered with a black tarnish (silver sulphides), which does not occur on pure aluminium.
See also: Electronic scrap collection
Silver-plated copper
Copper wires coated with a thin layer of silver, e.g. in signal cables.
Silver-plated brass
Old decorative vessels,
Silver-plated tricks,
Brass connectors, plugs and fittings.
Silver-plated tin
Old decorative vessels,
Decorative elements
How much is silver-plated scrap worth?
Depending on the silver content of the material, i.e. the degree of silver coating on the surface of the material, the thickness of the silver coating and thus the silver content of the individual sorts, we can achieve a higher price of between £ 1,000 and £ 2,000 for a given material.
Silver plated scrap - welcome to cooperation
RMC Poland as one of the few companies in the sector to operate purchase of silver-plated scrap. If you have silver-plated scrap or items containing silver - please contact us. We will be happy to provide a reliable quote and offer some of the best prices on the market.
In addition to silver, we also buy precious metals and rare earth elements.
Feel free to contact us - find out what your scrap metal is really worth!
RM 2.05.2025