ABTC Achieves Major Milestone with Domestic Sale of Recycled Black MassABTC Achieves Major Milestone with Domestic Sale of Recycled Black Mass

American Battery Technology Company (ABTC), a manufacturer of battery recycling and critical battery materials, has reached a significant commercial milestone. The company has entered into a binding purchase agreement with a domestic strategic customer to purchase recycled black mass material in bulk from its pioneering lithium-ion battery recycling facility.

ABTC’s lithium-ion battery recycling plant has been operational since October 2023 and utilizes a groundbreaking integrated recycling process. This process combines a de-manufacturing approach with selective hydrometallurgical techniques, enabling the efficient recycling of lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. This versatile system can handle a variety of battery sizes, shapes, and chemistries.

The recycling process at ABTC’s facility yields several valuable products, including copper, aluminum, steel, lithium intermediates, and black mass. The black mass, a crucial output from the initial recycling phase, contains essential metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These metals are integral for producing new lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics, grid storage systems, and electric vehicles.

Previously, ABTC explored marketing its black mass material internationally. However, the company has strategically decided to focus on domestic sales. This shift aims to strengthen the North American circular battery metals supply chain and reduce dependency on Asian refining markets.

Related:ABTC Claims One of the Largest Lithium Deposits in the US

“We are proud to have manufactured bulk quantities of high nickel and cobalt content recycled black mass material at our commercial-scale, lithium-ion battery recycling facility,” stated ABTC CEO Ryan Melsert. “In accordance with our corporate principles, we strongly prefer to sell our recycled materials into the North American battery supply chain in order to facilitate the establishment of closed-loop domestic operations, as opposed to exporting these critical minerals abroad. We also are proud to have established strong relationships with domestic customers, that allow us to sell these recycled products directly as opposed to indirectly through brokers.” 

The company’s second recycling phase further refines the black mass into battery-grade nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate, and lithium hydroxide. This comprehensive approach aligns with ABTC’s commitment to advancing sustainable battery recycling and contributing to North America's closed-loop battery supply chain.

By keeping recycled materials within the region, ABTC helps reduce reliance on foreign markets and minimizes the environmental impact of long-distance transportation and processing. This move supports the development of a resilient, self-sufficient battery materials ecosystem, which is essential for advancing the electric vehicle industry and achieving broader sustainability goals. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise, ABTC's efforts are instrumental in creating a sustainable, circular economy that ensures a stable supply of critical materials and fosters innovation in battery technology.

Related:US DOE Awards $20M Contract to ABTC for Advanced Battery Recycling Project