Lithium Australia NL’s (ASX:LIT) 74$-owned subsidiary Envirostream Australia Pty Ltd has produced its first high-value mixed metal dust (MMD).
The MMD, which contains cobalt, nickel, lithium and carbon, was produced at its new battery recycling plant in Melbourne.
The recycling of lithium-ion batteries also produces scrap steel, copper, and aluminium which can be sold.
The first shipment of MMD to South Korea is imminent.
Supported by Victorian legislation
LIT’s managing director Adrian Griffin said: “The processing of spent batteries not only improves the sustainability of the battery industry but also prevents undesirable materials going to landfill, which reduces the potential for groundwater contamination.
“I applaud the Victorian government for banning such material from landfill – hopefully other jurisdictions will soon follow suit.
“We’re proud to be part of an environmental solution that offers every Australian the opportunity to recycle their spent batteries.”
Envirostream is the only Australian entity capable of recycling all energy metals from spent lithium-ion batteries.
Rolling out drop-off points across Australia
Envirostream has agreements with a number of retailers and manufacturers regarding the stewardship of spent batteries.
It is in the process rolling out its collection network nationally providing Australians with reasonable access to drop-off points to avoids batteries going to landfill.
Circular battery economy
Recycling spent batteries is part of LIT’s vision of a circular battery economy.
LIT has multiple exposures in the supply chain through its processing technologies SiLeach® and LieNA®, and its subsidiaries Envirostream (battery recycling) and VSPC technologies (cathode powder producer).
By uniting resources and innovation, the company seeks to vertically integrate lithium recycling, extraction and processing.