American Manganese Inc. (TSX-V:AMY, OTCQB:AMYZF) has revealed that it is moving closer to pressing the start button on its recycling demonstration plant in Greater Vancouver.
The critical materials firm, along with partner Kemetco, has developed a technology, which upcycles lithium-ion battery waste into high-value battery cathode materials.
American Manganese told investors that the recycling equipment was now in place for the plant, while remaining work included mounting tank reactors, connecting ventilation system, and wiring in the power.
The company noted that around 3,500kg of lithium-ion battery cathode scrap had been received as initial feedstock for the 500 kilogram (kg) per day plant, which is representative of the materials used in electric vehicle batteries and potential near-term feedstock supplies.
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"I'm extremely pleased with the great progress in our demonstration plant," said Larry Reaugh, the CEO of American Manganese.
"It's a testament to everyone on our team working tirelessly to ensure the success of the project. Our structured approach from initial concept, lab testing, piloting, and modeling gives us confidence in our scaled-up selection of equipment and planned testing procedures."
Also in the statement, updating on its Wenden stockpile project, which was awarded by the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). American Manganese reported that the DLA had notified the company that "they will not move forward with the Company's Phase 2 Technical Proposal".
"I'm disappointed that following the successful completion of our Strategic Materials grant, the DLA elected not to undertake our follow-on proposal, said Reaugh, but added: "We continue to see value in processing the Wenden Stockpile material and remain in ongoing discussions with the DLA on ways that AMY's patented process can provide a potential domestic supply of manganese in the U.S."
Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com