American Manganese Inc. (AMY; Surrey, B.C., Canada; www.americanmanganeseinc.com) announced the successful recovery of high-purity (99.98%) nickel-cobalt hydroxide from the NCA cathode scrap material received from a tier-one lithium-ion battery (LIB) company. American Manganese plans to announce additional results as they are received and reviewed.
The laboratory studies were conducted by the Company’s independent contractor, Kemetco Research, to analyze the optimum recycling conditions and produce recycled material for the customer’s evaluation.
“We designed the process with the goal to produce recycled battery products that could be seamlessly integrated into the re-manufacturing of battery cathodes using minimal processing steps,” said Norm Chow, President of Kemetco Research.
After continuous improvement and optimization, American Manganese’s RecycLiCo patented process achieved an even higher purity than the previously reported purity results (99.94%) during stages 3 and 4 of Pilot Plant project, as announced in the company’s August 27, 2019 press release.
“The purity results analyzed by Kemetco Research demonstrates the potential of our patented process and sets a new benchmark for the lithium-ion battery recycling industry,” said Larry Reaugh, President and CEO of American Manganese. “We continue to pioneer a high-recovery, high-purity, and environmentally friendly cathode-to-cathode lithium-ion battery recycling solution that promotes a circular economy for the lithium-ion battery supply chain.”
The RecycLiCo patented process is a closed-circuit hydrometallurgical solution for recycling lithium-ion battery material. American Manganese has completed testing of the Pilot Plant project and aims to begin engineering design and economic analysis of a 3-5 ton per day commercial demonstration plant for 2020; following the completion of testing for tier-one companies. For more on lithium processing and recycling, read Lithium Battery Demand Drives Process Evolution.