virgin metal

American  

noun

1. primary metal.

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Etymology

Origin of virgin metal

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

For one thing, the researchers found that although only a small amount of e-waste is recycled, that was enough to spare the planet from being mined for 2 trillion pounds of ore for virgin metal.

From Salon

Redwood buys virgin metal because there aren’t enough old batteries and scrap.

From New York Times

According to one industry estimate, household foil already includes 25 to 40 percent pre-consumer recycled material -- i.e., factory scraps and trimmings -- with the rest coming from freshly mined, virgin metal.

From Washington Post

When steel uses aluminum, it uses it up completely, and around a quarter of its products require virgin metal.

From Time Magazine Archive

OPM hoped the drive would turn up 15-20,000,000 lb. of scrap aluminum which could either be converted directly into defense products or used to replace virgin metal which would then be freed for aircraft production.

From Time Magazine Archive