Battery recycler Ascend Elements said it will produce lithium carbonate from used lithium-ion batteries at its Georgia plant, electrive reported on December 11, 2024.
The plan
- Production of 99% pure lithium carbonate is expected within 12 months, which Ascend says will be the first made from recycled material in the USA.
- The only other domestic source is a mine in Nevada, the company said.
- The Georgia plant has run since August 2022 and is expected to reach capacity in 2025 to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of battery material a year, about 70,000 EV packs.
- Ascend says its process is about 86% less carbon-intensive than spodumene mining.
“This new domestic supply of a critical battery material will help U.S. industries meet growing demand while avoiding the possibility of tariffs on imported materials.”
Eric Gratz, Ascend Elements co-founder and CTO
Why it matters for Made in USA
Most lithium chemicals are refined in China. A domestic recycled source shortens the supply chain for USA-made batteries.
FAQ
Where is the plant?
In Georgia.
What will it make?
99% pure lithium carbonate from recycled batteries.
How much can it recycle?
Up to 30,000 metric tons of battery material a year at scale.
Source & credit
Source: electrive, December 11, 2024: “Made in the USA: Ascend ready to supply lithium carbonate from recycled batteries”, by Carrie Hampel.