Our Recycling division has developed a suite of battery-collection solutions and recycling technologies. We offer innovative and sustainable options for the recovery of critical materials from spent batteries – in particular, lithium-ion batteries.
Recycling
Collection/processing of spent batteries to recover critical materials
More and more people worldwide are realising the importance of recycling batteries. Lithium Australia’s Recycling division is therefore integral to our goal of establishing a sustainable circular battery economy.
Key points
Processing of spent batteries: lithium-ion for cathode and anode mixed-metal dust (MMD) used in new-battery production; alkaline for by-products incorporated into agricultural fertiliser feedstock, and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) for use in stainless-steel production.
Ability to process all types of spent batteries – from electric vehicles, energy storage systems, industrial applications, power tools and electronics, plus those for household use.
Significant resource retrieval – innovative techniques enable a very high rate of recovery (typically >90%) of all critical battery materials.
Australia’s only EPA-licensed lithium-ion battery recycling facility (located in Melbourne) – sufficient capacity to meet the ever- growing demand for battery recycling nationally.
Industry-leading battery collection infrastructure: packaging designed for greater battery-handling safety and approved for the containment of DG Class 9 batteries; extensive and expanding partnerships, with major national retailers like Bunnings and Officeworks that offer drop-off points for consumers’ spent batteries.
Proud and active member of peak Australian industry bodies: the Battery Stewardship Council (we are the only company accredited as a ‘B-cycle Collector, Sorter and Recycler’) and Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI).
Processing capabilities
Sorting and batch-processing based on battery chemistry – this increases clean material recovery rates and maximises downstream commodity value.
Dismantling and discharge of high-capacity battery types – includes electric vehicle batteries and those for grid-scale and residential/remote-power energy storage systems.
Mechanised separation techniques – multi-stage shredding, granulation, washing, screening and solid/liquid separation – create valuable products for downstream material recovery.
High recovery rates (typically > 90%) of critical battery materials, which are further refined after extraction to produce chemical elements for new battery production.
These recycled battery materials match those mined and subsequently refined but are produced with fewer emissions, less water usage and less soil displacement, creating a more sustainable supply chain than those for virgin-mined resources.
Quality standards – assessed and certified
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System (QMS)
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System (EMS)
- ISO 45001 (formerly OHSAS 18001) – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- AS/NZS 4801 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- AS/NZS 5377 – Collection, Storage, Transport and Treatment of End-of-life Electrical and Electronic Equipment
To remain abreast of developments in our Recycling division, please refer to our latest ASX announcements.