European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR) (FRA:PF8) (VIE:ELI) has further aligned with Europe’s push towards a cleaner, greener and sustainable energy future by partnering in a research project developing closed loop recycling for lithium-ion batteries.
The company’s 100%-owned subsidiary and Austrian operating arm ECM Lithium AT GmbH will become a research partner for the project managed by a research group at the University of Graz in Austria.
A Letter of Intent has been signed to include recycled battery material into the company’s envisaged Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) production process.
Complements strategy
This is complementary to the company’s strategy to be the first operational European producer of lithium products for supply to the domestic battery market from its advanced Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria.
European Lithium CEO Dietrich Wanke said: “It is a pleasure to be chosen as partner to this research project and with our knowledge regarding the chemical, technical and metallurgical procedures, it becomes an important strategic step to support the development of Wolfsberg.”
Green Deal targets
He said: "Furthermore, we are looking forward to working on a collaboration that is aligned with the ambitious European Green Deal targets for lithium-ion batteries.
"We are very pleased to support the research project’s and are very confident of its success.”
READ: European Lithium gets all-clear to finalise definitive feasibility study for Wolfsberg project
EUR is in the final stages of a resource extension drilling program at the Wolfsberg project and the finalisation of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) that includes the metallurgical analysis of the proposed production process.
In an effort to fast track the development of Wolfsberg, the company has taken advantage of an opportunity to refine its metallurgical analysis in a purpose-built full-scale pilot plant in Hirschau, Germany.
Logical connection
To meet the estimated demand for battery-grade lithium in the future and to meet Europe’s strengthening desire for sustainable green operations, it is crucial to ensure that EV batteries are recycled.
The company considers there to be a logical connection between recycling and mining in the form of closed loop recycling.
EUR’s current drilling program at Wolfsberg and final metallurgical test-work for the DFS remain on track to complete in July and is still under the original budget.