Summary
- Altilium partners with LevertonHELM to develop sustainable lithium supply chain in the UK
- Partnership aims to reduce reliance on imported raw materials
- LevertonHELM to qualify recovered lithium from EV batteries at Altilium’s recycling facilities
- Altilium’s ACT2 recycling facility in Plymouth has capacity to recover lithium and other battery metals
- Recycling process reduces carbon footprint of lithium production and helps meet EU battery regulations starting in 2031
Article
UK-based clean technology group Altilium has partnered with LevertonHELM, the UK subsidiary of German chemical firm HELM, to develop a sustainable domestic supply chain for lithium in the UK. This partnership combines Altilium’s expertise in recovering battery materials with LevertonHELM’s lithium production capabilities, aiming to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported raw materials. LevertonHELM will qualify technical-grade lithium carbonate recovered from end-of-life EV batteries and production scrap at Altilium’s recycling facilities in Devon, leading to agreements for the supply of recycled lithium in the UK.
Altilium’s ACT2 recycling facility in Plymouth has the capacity to recover lithium and other battery metals from black mass waste, equivalent to one EV battery per day, using its EcoCathode process. The facility will produce cathode active materials for qualification with automotive customers and high volumes of lithium suitable for re-entry into the British supply chain. The recycling process not only strengthens the domestic supply chain but also reduces the carbon footprint of lithium production and helps battery manufacturers comply with new EU battery regulations that require a percentage of recycled lithium in EV batteries starting in 2031.
Stefan Berner Beltrán, Principal Engineer and Lithium Raw Materials Lead at Altilium, believes that this partnership supports the UK’s efforts to secure an important mineral for the energy transition. By working together on alternative technologies, the companies aim to unlock the most value from domestic urban mining, leading to greener and more efficient refining processes. This collaboration is crucial for achieving sustainability in lithium production and reducing the environmental impact of battery manufacturing.
The partnership between Altilium and LevertonHELM signifies a step towards creating a circular economy for lithium in the UK, moving away from reliance on imported raw materials. By recovering lithium from end-of-life EV batteries and production scrap, the companies are not only reducing waste but also ensuring a stable supply of lithium for the growing demand in the electric vehicle industry. The collaboration showcases how clean technology firms can work together to address sustainability challenges and contribute to the energy transition.
The development of a sustainable domestic supply chain for lithium in the UK is essential for reducing the country’s dependence on imported raw materials and enhancing its self-sufficiency in the battery materials sector. By recycling lithium from spent batteries and production scrap, Altilium and LevertonHELM are contributing to the circular economy and minimizing the environmental impact of lithium production. The partnership demonstrates a commitment to innovative solutions that support the UK’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Overall, the collaboration between Altilium and LevertonHELM represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable lithium production and recycling, supporting the UK’s efforts to secure a domestic supply chain for critical battery materials. By leveraging their respective expertise and technologies, the companies are driving innovation in the clean technology sector and promoting environmentally friendly practices in the battery industry. This partnership sets a positive example for other companies looking to enhance sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint through collaboration and resource efficiency.
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