Summary
- Ascend Elements is commissioning a new lithium carbonate recovery line in Covington, Georgia in 2025
- They will produce 99% pure lithium carbonate from used lithium-ion batteries
- The company plans to produce up to 3,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually
- Ascend’s facility in Covington has the capacity to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials per year
- The new supply will help US industries meet demand and avoid tariffs on imported materials
Article
Ascend Elements, a US battery materials manufacturer, is set to commission a new lithium carbonate recovery line at its battery recycling facility in Covington, Georgia in 2025. They plan to start producing 99% pure lithium carbonate recovered from used lithium-ion batteries. The company aims to produce up to 3,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually using their Hydro-to-Cathode direct precursor synthesis technology, which allows for a more efficient production of new cathode material from spent lithium-ion cells. This method leads to lower costs and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods of production.
The Covington facility has been operational since August 2022 and has the capacity to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials annually. This is equivalent to approximately 70,000 EV battery packs. By producing a new domestic supply of a critical battery material like lithium carbonate, Ascend Elements aims to help US industries meet the growing demand for such materials. Additionally, this new domestic supply can help avoid the possibility of tariffs on imported materials, ensuring a stable and reliable source of lithium carbonate for US industries.
Ascend Elements’ focus on recycling lithium-ion batteries demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By recovering lithium carbonate from used batteries, the company is contributing to the circular economy by reducing waste and minimizing the need for new raw materials. This not only benefits the environment but also helps conserve valuable resources and reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with battery production and disposal.
The innovative technology used by Ascend Elements to recover lithium carbonate from used lithium-ion batteries highlights the importance of continuous research and development in the field of battery materials. By developing more efficient methods of recycling and producing battery materials, companies like Ascend Elements are contributing to the advancement of sustainable technologies and reducing the environmental impact of the battery industry. This emphasis on innovation and sustainability is crucial for the long-term viability of the electric vehicle market and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The commissioning of the new lithium carbonate recovery line at Ascend Elements’ Covington facility signifies a significant step towards establishing a more sustainable and reliable supply chain for critical battery materials in the US. By increasing domestic production of lithium carbonate, the company is helping to reduce dependence on imported materials and safeguard against potential disruptions in the global supply chain. This move not only benefits US industries but also contributes to the country’s strategic efforts to strengthen its domestic battery manufacturing capabilities and secure a competitive advantage in the growing clean energy sector.
Overall, Ascend Elements’ investment in recycling technology and the production of lithium carbonate from used lithium-ion batteries represents a positive development in the battery materials industry. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and domestic production, the company is not only addressing the current challenges faced by the industry but also paving the way for a more sustainable and secure future for battery manufacturing in the US. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting circular economy practices, and advancing the transition to a clean energy economy.
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