AMI of Canada seeks to recycle spent lithium ion cathodes

American Manganese Inc. (AMI), based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, reports it plans to adapt its patented process for the recycling of spent lithium ion battery materials.

AMI says it plans to partner with Kemetco Research Inc. of Richmond, British Columbia, to demonstrate that the process can successfully treat spent lithium ion battery cathode materials, producing raw materials suitable for re-use in new lithium ion batteries. The proposed testing program could be carried out at Kemetco’s laboratory in Richmond.

Funding for the project could come from a variety of sources that will be explored, AMI says, including government research grants, a strategic alliance with a company in the lithium ion battery, electric vehicle, or materials recycling businesses; a joint venture with a funding group; and the sale of a royalty on future use of the AMI patented process, AMI says.

According to AMI, the cathode materials in lithium ion batteries contain lithium imbedded in a base metal oxide matrix and represents the largest single materials cost in the manufacture of lithium ion cells.

Norman Chow, president of Kemetco Research Inc., says, “There is currently no known commercial technology for the large scale recycling of cathode materials of multiple chemistries. The spent cathode materials represent an ideal resource material to be processed with American Manganese’s proprietary hydrometallurgical process.”

Larry W. Reaugh, president and chief executive officer of AMI, observes that successful application of the AMI process could result in lower raw material costs for battery manufacturers, lower processing costs and risks, reduced landfill waste, reduced energy consumption and reduced consumption of strategic metals.

Furthermore he says AMI’s hydrometallurgical process is easily scalable and may have the potential to recycle other lithium and base metal matrix compounds.

The company says its process is applicable to multiple lithium ion battery chemistries including lithium cobalt, lithium nickel manganese cobalt and lithium manganese.