Innovation, production and research under one roof
Our Olen site is a place where innovation, production and research come together — and strengthen one another — in a way that is unique worldwide. Building on 200 years of experience in metallurgy and materials science, our site is a cornerstone of Umicore’s global leadership in recycling and advanced materials.
Our strength lies in a unique concentration of knowledge and craftsmanship, built up over generations, combined with an active network of partnerships with universities, research institutes and industry leaders. Together, we push the boundaries of innovation and shape the future of sustainable material technologies.
What you will find at Olen
- Umicore’s global research and development center
- Specialized production departments for cobalt, nickel and germanium
- Pilot installations for recycling processes and anode materials
- Under construction: A demonstration plant for the production of qualified test volumes of anode materials
A strategic role in critical metals
Today, Olen plays a key role in securing critical and strategic metals for Europe’s mobility, energy and digital transitions. The site is essential for developing and processing cobalt for batteries and germanium for semiconductors, as well as for advancing recycling processes that set the standard worldwide.