RecycLiCo's demonstration plant testing produces bulk quantities of battery-grade lithium carbonate

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycler RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. and its research and development partner Kemetco Research Inc., both based in British Columbia, say they have successfully produced bulk quantities of battery-grade lithium carbonate from an industrial feed of cathode scrap at RecycLiCo’s hydrometallurgical demonstration plant in Vancouver.

According to RecycLiCo, the plant has undergone thousands of person-hours over several months, which has delivered high-quality battery materials and operational data for continued business development. The company adds that the plant has attracted industry attention and provided offtake of samples to global companies who are seeking sustainable and robust solutions to meet the growing demand for lithium.

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The company says the scaled-up production of battery-grade lithium carbonate from recycled battery waste represents a continued advancement in the transition toward a more sustainable and circular economy. By offering a scalable and robust solution, RecycLiCo says it is well-positioned to help meet the increasing demand for lithium, a critical component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, portable electronics and energy storage systems.

The company says it believes its demonstration plant will continue to add value as an innovation center to continuously advance its hydrometallurgical LIB recycling technology, advance business development efforts and provide engineering data for commercial joint ventures. RecycLiCo intends to continue demonstration plant operation, using black mass feedstock for process optimization and to produce bulk quantities of battery-ready cathode precursor and lithium hydroxide for advanced product qualification necessary for developing and securing commercial opportunities.

Kemetco Research is a private sector integrated science, technology and innovation company. Its contract sciences operation provides laboratory analysis and testing, field work, bench scale studies, pilot plant investigations, consulting services, applied research and development for both industry and government.