Comstock Metals Integrates and Automates Front Stages of Industry-scale Production
Rhea-AI Summary
Comstock (NYSE: LODE) announced integration, testing and operation of the robotic loading and initial conveyance system for its first-of-a-kind, industry-scale solar panel recycling facility.
The front-end of the 100,000 ton-per-year line is fully operational, with loading capacity tests exceeding design maximums by 10%, supporting planned continuous operations starting August 2026.
Positive
- Front-end systems of solar recycling plant fully integrated and operational
- Robotic loading capacity test exceeded design maximums by 10%
- Targeting continuous 100,000 ton/year recycling operations starting August 2026
- Nine unit operations expected to run together by next month
- Modular start-up supports ramp from 24/5 to 24/7 staffing
Negative
- None.
Market reaction after solar recycling facility commissioning update: LODE -5.15% in the Jul 7 session
In the Jul 7 session, LODE declined 5.15%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +5.4% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -2.2% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 6 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 29 | Facility commissioning | Positive | -2.8% | Progress update on commissioning of industry-scale solar panel recycling facility. |
| Jun 24 | New facility site | Positive | -4.0% | Announcement of Cambridge, Ohio site for new solar recycling facility. |
| Jun 22 | Asset sale deal | Positive | -5.0% | Agreement to sell legacy mining assets for value exceeding $45 million. |
| Jun 10 | Conference presentation | Neutral | +9.7% | CFO presentation and 1x1 meetings at Planet MicroCap Las Vegas 2026. |
| May 07 | Q1 2026 earnings | Positive | -10.9% | Q1 results plus $57.5M equity financing and commissioning updates. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent history shows Comstock often trading lower after generally positive operational and strategic news, with one conference appearance drawing a stronger upside reaction.
Key Terms
plc systems technical
particle size reduction technical
unit operations technical
offtake customers financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
SILVER SPRINGS, Nev., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) and Comstock Metals LLC (“Comstock Metals”), a leader in the responsible, zero-landfill recycling of end-of-life solar panels with the first certified North American operations announced today that it has integrated, tested and operated the robotic loading and initial conveyance system, representing the front-end stages of its production process as part of the overall commissioning of its first-of-a-kind, industry-scale solar recycling facility.
The operating system has three major operating stages that are currently being integrated, individually stress tested and commissioned. This represents another significant step toward the full commissioning, start up and continuous operation of the 100,000 ton per year solar panel recycling production line. The robotic arms and the continuous loading and conveyance systems that feed the initial crushers are now fully integrated and operational.
“We are pleased to report that, as of last week, we completed the wiring, interconnection of the PLC systems, integration and testing of the first third of the plant, and specifically the robotic loading arms and that the initial tests all resulted in effective and expedient loading of the panels into the system. In fact, the loading systems capacity test exceeded our estimated capacity design maximums by
Comstock Metals’ robotic arms feeding solar panels onto conveyance system.
“We are now well into the process of bringing the industry-scale production plant online while taking great care to make sure each stage is working as designed and to specification and then stress-testing these processes at volumes representing the equipment’s stated capacities,” stated Dr. Fortunato Villamagna, Comstock Metals President. “The front end is now actually working better than initial designs and has been tested and operating, and we will continue moving through the rest of the production system in that same sequence, such that by next month, the nine distinct unit operations will all be operational together. We are also now leveraging the modular nature of the start-up process to train and develop the operating crews to move from a 24/5 to a 24/7 on a 12-hour rotating shift basis.”
The start-up sequence is largely dictated by the engineering requirements and, to a lesser extent, the responses to continued requests for materials and samples from the growing population of potential offtake customers.
While we work on bringing the recycling process online, we also continue to stress-test the secondary upgrading processes for the offtake products, especially glass, in order to ensure compliance with customer specifications as we continue expanding our addressable markets for those products,” continued Villamagna. “The operating team and the personnel development that resulted from a multi-year demonstration facility is now proving extremely beneficial. These developmental and commissioning activities, along with all aspects of integration, testing, tuning and staged stress testing will continue throughout July, while continuous operations should commence this August.”
About Comstock Inc.
Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) innovates and commercializes technologies, systems and supply chains that enable, support and sustain clean energy systems by efficiently, effectively, and expediently extracting and converting under-utilized natural resources into reusable metals, like silver, aluminum, gold, and other critical minerals, primarily from end-of-life photovoltaics. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.
Comstock Social Media Policy
Comstock Inc. has used, and intends to continue using, its investor relations link and main website at www.comstock.inc in addition to its X.com, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts, as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
Contacts
For investor inquiries:
Judd B. Merrill, Chief Financial Officer
Tel (775) 413-6222
ir@comstockinc.com
For media inquiries:
Zach Spencer, Director of External Relations
Tel (775) 847-7573
media@comstockinc.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “forecast,” “seek,” “target,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future market conditions; future financial, natural, and social gains; future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products and services; permits; production capacity and operations; operating and overhead costs; future capital expenditures and their impact on us; operational and management changes (including changes in the Board of Directors); changes in business strategies, planning and tactics; future employment and contributions of personnel, including consultants; future land and asset sales; investments, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances and business combinations; litigation, administrative or arbitration proceedings; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; offerings of equity or debt securities; and future working capital needs, revenues, variable costs, throughput rates, operating expenses, debt levels, cash flows, margins, taxes and earnings. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control and could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company or any other issuer.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81bffda1-1105-49c1-81ff-d9a93bf6744e
