The agreement includes an investment that will facilitate the construction of a battery shredding and critical minerals refining plant in Duddeston, Birmingham.
Renewable Metals has developed a recycling process that it has said has fewer steps compared to conventional methods for lithium-ion batteries. It has highlighted that this streamlined approach enhances recovery rates and eliminates the production of sodium sulfate.
The two-stage process involves the shredding and refining of discharged battery modules, resulting in the extraction of high-grade nickel and copper, along with cobalt, lithium and manganese salts.
As part of the multi-million-pound deal, EMR will direct end-of-life batteries to the demonstrator plant.
Expected to be operational by the first half of 2025, pending permitting approvals, the plant will have the capacity to process various types of lithium-ion batteries, including those from automotive, e-mobility, industrial, domestic and portable sources.
Delighted
Roger Morton, managing director for technology and innovation at EMR, said: “We’re delighted to finalise this agreement with Renewable Metals, with whom we have developed a fantastic relationship.
“The team behind Renewable Metals have a world class reputation in this field developed over many years, so we are thrilled to be working together with them on this exciting project.
“EV battery recycling is a challenge we are working extremely hard to deliver and that is exactly what we’re doing here.
“This investment fits perfectly with EMR’s global strategy to deliver more sustainable materials for the UK and European automotive industry.
“Renewable Metals’ technology is a highly cost-effective and scalable solution which fits into our broader long-term global strategy for this market, where we are actively developing multiple new collaborations. The team at EMR can’t wait to see Renewable Metals ramp up their production over the next year.”
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