Government Unveils Next-Generation Plant to Reclaim Lithium, Cobalt & Nickel from Spent Batteries – EQ
In Short : A government-supported initiative will establish a plant to extract lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life electric vehicle and consumer batteries, boosting domestic resource recovery and reducing reliance on imports. Utilizing advanced hydrometallurgical processes, the project aims for high extraction efficiencies, supports circular economy goals, and lowers recycling costs. Commissioning is slated for early next year, with scale-up planned by 2026.
In Detail : A government-supported initiative will establish a state-of-the-art recycling plant dedicated to recovering lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life electric vehicle and consumer batteries. Backed by national funding, the facility is designed to bolster domestic resource security and reduce dependence on imported critical minerals.
Feedstock for the plant will include spent lithium-ion cells collected from both automotive and electronic waste streams. By aggregating diverse battery chemistries, the operation can optimize throughput and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for processing.
At the heart of the facility lies an advanced hydrometallurgical process, which uses selective leaching and precipitation techniques to achieve high recovery rates. This technology minimizes energy consumption and avoids the emissions associated with traditional pyrometallurgy.
Recovered metals will meet battery-grade purity standards, enabling their direct reuse in new battery production. This closed-loop approach supports the circular economy and cuts lifecycle emissions by avoiding ore extraction and long-distance transport.
Commissioning of the plant is slated for early next year, with pilot runs validating process yields and throughput. Full commercial operation is targeted by mid-2026, at which point the facility will scale up to process several thousand tonnes of batteries annually.
The project is expected to drive down recycling costs, foster local supplier networks, and create skilled manufacturing jobs. Its success could serve as a blueprint for similar recovery hubs, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable battery materials management.
