Hello TheBavarian,
Great question you have raised.
I am not a metallurgist, and don't work for the company so take what I write as my own comments. Your questions are:
1) Why is/ or is Neomteals in a better position than it's competitors?
2) will they have enough feed stock?
1) CompetitorsDuesenfeld is one of a few hydromet competitors. Also check out Li-cycle in the USA -
https://li-cycle.com/.
a) Technology - My understanding is that
NMT use a patent pending wet shredding process, allowing them to take in batteries in all sorts of charge state and NOT discharge them before shredding. Duesenfeld uses a dry method that requires discharge first. Now this may not seem a big deal, unless a charged battery makes it to the dry shredder and there is an explosion.
b) Partnering -
NMT has partnered with SMS which has excellent engineering capabilities -
this brings a lot of street credibility to the table as opposed to going it alone as a starup.
c) Model - I think we will find that there will be
lots of different ways to monetize the process. Chris has stated before that they are flexible in this respect.
2) Feed StockThe key here is to be an Early Mover. NMT have been in this space for 4 years, quite a head start on some of the other companies, and a definite advantage against any new company entering. Over that period they will have demonstrated capabilities, and fostered relationships in the companies they want to partner with.
Becoming embedded in an OEM processes requires a massive amount of due dilligence that leads to trust. That doesn't happen overnight.Having the credibility of a partnership with SMS gives OEM's a level of comfort above and beyond dealing with what is essentially startup companies.
At the end of the day, big companies like to deal with big companies.This will be
an enormous market. There is plenty of room for many competitorslike any other market, it is not a one company takes all.
That's my 2 cents worth.
I think Primobius is in an excellent position to gain a strong foothold in this exciting market and to generate cashflows for generations. Well done to the team and GLTAH.
