US battery materials manufacturer Ascend Elements is commissioning a new lithium carbonate recovery line at its battery recycling facility in Covington, Georgia in 2025 to start producing 99% pure lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) recovered from used lithium-ion batteries.

The company plans to produce up to 3,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually. Its Hydro-to-Cathode direct precursor synthesis technology produces new cathode material from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, according to the company, resulting in lower costs and carbon emissions.

Ascend’s Covington facility has been operational since August 2022. It has the capacity to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials, the equivalent of approximately 70,000 EV battery, packs annually.

“This new domestic supply of a critical battery material will help US industries meet growing demand while avoiding the possibility of tariffs on imported materials,” said Eric Gratz, co-founder and CTO of Ascend Elements.

Source: Ascend Elements