• Renewable Metals’ game-changing alkali-based technology has been successfully proven at pilot scale

• Deal sees next stage demonstration scale battery refining plant built and operated by Renewable Metals at EMR’s Birmingham site in the UK

• Supercharges Renewable Metals’ pathway to commercial plant

Renewable Metals has developed a highly differentiated, alkali-based recycling technology which has fewer steps than existing recycling routes for lithium-ion batteries. This process can deliver high recovery rates without producing sodium sulfate and is better suited to handling the variability in chemistry of end-of-life lithium-Ion batteries. The two-stage process takes discharged battery modules, with the shredding and refining steps yielding LME grade nickel and copper, as well as cobalt, lithium and manganese salts, all of which can go directly back into the battery supply chain.

The company is collaborating with European Metal Recycling (EMR) to build and operate a state-of-the-art demonstration plant at EMR’s site in Birmingham, UK. EMR is a global leader in sustainable materials and the largest end-of-life recycler in the UK. It leads several innovation collaborations, including RECOVAS, a consortium with Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Bentley, UK Battery Innovative Centre and University of Warwick to repurpose or reuse EV batteries, part funded by UK Government Advanced Propulsion Centre.

As part of the deal, EMR will invest in Renewable Metals and supply end-of-life batteries for recycling. The facility will be able to recycle automotive, industrial (including e-bikes and e-scooters) and portable lithium-ion batteries. The new facility will be commissioned in the first half of 2025, subject to permitting approvals.

This demonstration plant will further prove the technology at greater scale and, if successful, will pave the pathway to building a commercial plant, underpinning a resilient battery value chain and sovereign capability, and advancing the circular economy globally.

Peter Beaven, Chair of Renewable Metals said: “We’re thrilled to finalise this deal with EMR – we’ve developed a fantastic relationship and share the same commitment to deliver sustainable critical minerals to drive electrification. Partnering with EMR who have an extensive track record of innovation in lithium battery recycling validates the recovery and cost advantages of our unique technology at a global level.”

Roger Morton, Managing Director for Technology and Innovation at EMR said: “We’re delighted to announce our agreement with Renewable Metals. Applying their deep experience in innovative critical minerals extraction to battery recycling has created unique technology that fits perfectly with our global strategy to deliver more sustainable materials for the UK and European automotive industry. The team at EMR can’t wait to see Renewable Metals get into production next year.”

For more information, please contact:
Luan Atkinson, CEO  
luan.atkinson@renewable-metals.com