Technology Minerals is set to open the “UK’s first” industrial-scale lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries recycling facility after securing an Environment Agency permit and Approved Battery Treatment Operator status.
The company has announced that its 48.25% owned battery recycling business, Recyclus Group Ltd (Recyclus), has received final clearance from the Environment Agency (EA) to commence full operations at its lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling plant in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.
Technology Minerals Plc describes itself as the “first listed UK company” focused on creating a sustainable circular economy for battery metals.
Recyclus has also been awarded Approved Battery Treatment Operator (ABTO) status by the EA, Technology Minerals says, which allows it to commence recycling operations immediately, with on-site treatment and processing of spent Li-ion batteries.
The EA permit allows Recyclus a daily storage limit of 140 m3 (c.100 tonnes) and to process up to 22,000 tonnes of Li-ion batteries per annum. Technology Minerals expects that the plant will process 8,300 tonnes in the first year.
Technology Minerals says Recyclus owns the IP for both the process and the plant, which is designed to process most Li-ion battery types.
With feedstock stored and ready to be processed, everything is in place to ramp up operations at the facility and start generating revenues.
Commenting on the announcement, Robin Brundle, Chairman of Technology Minerals, said: “This is a significant moment for the company and the UK. The Wolverhampton plant has become the first facility in the UK with the capability to recycle Li-ion batteries on an industrial scale.
“Given the global shift towards electrification and the growing demand for Li-ion batteries, we believe we have a compelling first-mover advantage in this burgeoning market.
“Our aim is to establish enduring partnerships with businesses and organisations, both in the UK and internationally, offering them an environmentally-friendly solution for their end-of-life batteries. With feedstock stored and ready to be processed, everything is in place to ramp up operations at the facility and start generating revenues.”