A great move. We can produce the very valuable Lithium Hydroxide from recycled batteries. Even Germany's Duesenfeld only does far less valuable Lithium Carbonate with its patented Hydrometallurgical process. According to an ATZ report (2018), the 33kWh Li-ion traction battery of the BMW i3 electric vehicle contains 2kg (4.4 lb) cobalt, 6kg (13 lb) lithium, 12kg (26 lb) manganese, 12kg (26 lb) nickel and 35kg (77 lb) graphite. Not all retrieved materials may reach battery-grade quality when recycled but the gained resources can be used for less demanding purposes. Lithium is also used as a lubricant. The above gives an idea of the potential size of the recycle industry. With VSPC LIT will be able to reach EV Battery standard powder on all Lithium retrieved. Most Asian and European recyclers use the traditional Pyrolysis melting method where the Lithium, Cobalt etc is lost in slag. The Hydrometallurgical process is just beginning to get some traction. Looks like SiLeach, LieNA and resources will be taking a back seat from here. If Lithium picks up expect some IPOs/spin offs around mid year.
LIT Price at posting:
3.6¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
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