Lithium-ion battery metals recovery
Knowledge
Battery recycling is a complex area and ever changing. We present here explainers on key subjects in the battery recycling debate.
What is Black Mass?
At the core of the lithium battery recycling process is a product which is termed ‘Black Mass’. In the accompanying download we explore exactly what is it, and its importance.
How is Black Mass Valued?
There is no central Exchange on which Black Mass is traded. Valuation is a combination of factors and techniques with an introduction provided in the accompanying download.
An introduction to Hydrometallurgy
Battery metals recovery can be achieved via a number of engineering strategies. The accompanying note introduces Hydrometallurgical recovery - the hero process advanced by Battery Pollution Technologies.
Using Recovered Cobalt Beyond Battery Applications
Cobalt’s application lies well beyond battery cell use. Our approach to Cobalt recovery is to use it to meet various industrial and technology demands.
Cobalt - The Defence & Aerospace Metal
Recovered cobalt has wider application than just re-introduction to the battery supply chain. It is highly relevant for both aerospace and defence applications.
Batteries in Landfills
Batteries in landfills result in significant environmental and community issues. This paper highlights the most pressing - reinforcing the case for urban mining of end of life battery waste.
Europe’s Changing Battery Recycling Regulations
Our strategy is focussed on building bespoke fit for purpose hydromet battery metals recovery capabilities - controlled CAPEX to deliver operational optimisation.
Slag Waste Streams in the Pyromet Process
‘Slags’ refer to waste products produced in a Pyrometallurgy approach to battery metals recovery. The accompanying note provides an overview of Slags, their inclusions and the problems they present.
Lessons from the First Wave of Battery Recyclers
As with many technology industries the first wave was characterised by big CAPEX models that struggled or failed. As in many competitive landscapes - the second mouse gets the cheese.
Europe’s Changing Battery Recycling Regulations
Europe is leading the world with regulatory changes - including certain export bans on Black Mass. This note reviews some of the most important changes.
Why Hydromet Is Our Choice
An overview on the strategy we are advancing for battery metals recovery
Recovered Cobalt Supply For Magnets
We believe that the opportunities for the supply of cobalt are well beyond “circular economy” into fresh batteries. Magnets are a critical global industry opportunity.
Is all Black Mass the same?
Black Mass is not a homogeneous product - in fact far from it. The accompanying note explores some of the issues that need to be considered in a quality assessment of exactly what is included.
What is Cobalt ?
An introduction to this critical metal - a key target of Battery Pollution Technologies metals recovery technology and operational approach.
Why Smelting Struggles with Black Mass
Pyrometallurgy as a recovery strategy for battery metals from Black Mass has its limitations. This note provides a summary of some of the factors to be considered.
A Focus On Nickel Recovery In The Battery Recycling Process
Nickel is another key recoverable from the battery metals recovery process.
China’s Extraterritorial Control of Critical Minerals
We consider the currently suspended Chinese laws which become active again in November 2026.