American Manganese is developing a recycling process for Li-ion batteries, and processing partner Kemetco Research has begun processing a sample of cathode scrap material at the company’s pilot plant.

The pilot plant will operate in five stages:

1. Pre-treatment of cathode material
2. Leach of active material
3. Purification
4. Recovery of base metals (e.g., nickel, cobalt, manganese)
5. Lithium recovery and water recycle

American Manganese CEO Larry Reaugh said, “This is a great milestone for the company as we work towards a complete lithium-ion battery recycling process. The company is also anticipating an official US patent number for its recently approved patent application.”

Source: American Manganese