Technology Minerals PLC (LSE:TM1) has announced a new partnership through its subsidiary, Recyclus Group, with AA Battery Recycling Limited for the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
The collaboration is seen as a key step forward for the AIM-quoted firm’s plan to enhance the UK's battery recycling capabilities.
AA Battery Recycling will supply lithium-ion batteries to the Recyclus plant in Wolverhampton, which is the only industrial-scale facility of its kind in the UK.
The partnership aims to streamline AA Battery Recycling's operations by allowing it to process battery waste domestically, which has the added benefit of reducing the need for exporting, thus lowering costs and also carbon footprint.
Recyclus will benefit financially from fees for the batteries it receives and from the sale of black mass and other materials reclaimed through the recycling process.
The arrangement is expected to bolster Recyclus' position in the recycling industry and also contribute significantly to the sustainability efforts within the sector.
It comes as the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to surge amidst a rapid shift towards electrification.
"The agreement with AA Battery Recycling is a clear demonstration of the pressing need for Recyclus' industrial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling solution,” Technology Minerals and Recyclus director Robin Brundle said in a statement.
“AA Battery Recycling can now process battery waste right here in the UK, that would otherwise have been exported for treatment.
“Their focus on sustainability is strongly aligned with our own, making them an ideal partner for Recyclus, and we look forward to building a strong relationship as we continue to scale up operations at the Wolverhampton facility."
Anne Bishop, AA Battery Recycling commercial director, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Recyclus, which provides a safe and effective solution for the disposal of Li-ion batteries on an industrial scale in the UK.
“As a provider of waste management solutions to conserve resources, we are delighted to work with a UK partner who is also committed to driving sustainability in the battery sector."