Technology Minerals, Recyclus Group open UK lab

London-based Technology Minerals Plc says it has opened its first laboratory suite at its new battery processing facility in Wolverhampton, U.K., that will enable Recyclus Group Ltd., a 49 percent Technology Minerals-owned company, to test lead acid and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling processes in-house. 

The testing facility features an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) unit used for measuring the elemental composition of the various battery products, which is important for examining the lead content of the lead oxide paste and the levels of sulphur. It also houses a gas chromatograph with an auto sampler that, when used in conjunction with wet chemical analysis, is crucial in establishing lithium levels and monitoring the in-process products to avoid any potential contamination, the company says. The facility also has fire-safe, lockable cabinets for housing all the essential analytical chemicals used in the monitoring of the lead and lithium recycling processes.

Robin Brundle, chairman of Technology Minerals, says the opening of the lab corresponds with the company’s strategy and development program for commissioning the first of its lithium-ion plants. “It is another step towards our goal to significantly increase our recycling capacity in 2022 for lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries and ultimately help enhance the U.K.’s capabilities for battery recycling.”