Imagine this: tucked away in railway depots around the world, thousands of pieces of electronic equipment, once vital to the network, now sit unused. Old signal controls and communication gear, plus many kilometres of copper cables lie dormant under the ground. What if those “leftover” parts could become a treasure trove, powering not just new tech, but the future of sustainable rail?
This is the promise of urban mining. A smart, resourceful approach transforming obsolete rail assets into gold mines of precious metals and components. It’s about more than just recycling; it’s about reimagining waste as opportunity.
The challenge rail faces today
Railway operators worldwide are racing to modernise. Rolling out greener trains, smarter controls, and digital upgrades. But with progress comes legacy: mountains of old equipment and many kilometres of copper cables that could clog warehouses or worse, pollute the environment.
Traditional disposal means lost value and environmental harm. But what if, instead, these “retired” assets could be reclaimed and reused, helping operators reduce costs, shrink their carbon footprints, and fund innovation?
Urban mining is the new frontier of sustainability
At TXO, we’ve seen firsthand how urban mining changes the game. Take copper, gold, and palladium. Tiny but powerful metals that make modern electronics tick. Mining these from the earth is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Extracting them from old rail equipment? That’s urban mining’s sweet spot.
In particular, we recover, remove, and break down many kilometres of copper cables from decommissioned networks. The recovered copper granulate is then sold back into the supply chain, generating revenue and reducing the need for new copper mining.
Recovering these metals is like finding a hidden stash of cash, but with the added bonus of slashing emissions and generating space for new technology.
Making room for innovation and growth
By efficiently recovering value from end-of-life equipment, rail operators free up physical space and unlock the capacity to invest in next-generation technologies. Instead of being stuck with costly waste, they gain a sustainable source of funding and materials for the future.
And the benefits don’t stop there. By clearing out obsolete assets, operators often avoid the need to build new ducts and shafts, an infrastructure cost that can be eye-wateringly expensive. Urban mining not only generates revenue, it can also reduce capital expenditure for upcoming projects.
Whether it’s Deutsche Bahn modernising for the future or new rail projects in Asia and Africa, the challenges are the same: how to grow sustainably while managing legacy tech. Urban mining isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Urban mining is a game changer for the rail industry. It turns what was once a costly burden into a circular opportunity that benefits business and planet alike. At TXO, we help rail operators in Germany and beyond unlock that potential, responsibly and profitably.
Eike Westphal, Global Director Rail Solutions, TXO
Planning ahead for smoother modernisation
To get the full benefit, urban mining should be considered early in the planning stages of any modernisation project. When we’re brought in ahead of time, we can clear out legacy infrastructure, such as full ducts or outdated cables, before new systems are installed. This avoids bottlenecks during deployment and can prevent the need for costly new civil works. Early action means more room, more value, and fewer surprises.
TXO is powering sustainable rail transformation worldwide
From recovery and resale to recycling and lifecycle management, TXO partners with rail operators globally to deliver full-circle solutions that reduce waste, cut costs, and drive green innovation.
The future of rail goes beyond new engines, tracks and infrastructure technology. It lies in the untapped value within retired equipment and cables; hidden resources that, through urban mining, can drive sustainability, reduce costs, and support the next wave of innovation in your network.