BASF has started operating its prototype metal refinery for battery recycling in Schwarzheide, Germany. The plant enables the development of operational procedures and the optimization of battery recycling technology, processing end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and scrap from battery production. This will allow optimal recovery of metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper as the technology is scaled up.
The prototype metal refinery complements BASF’s cathode active materials plant and the battery recycling plant for the production of black mass, which is scheduled to start operations later this year. The company plans to build Europe’s first co-located battery materials production and recycling center in Schwarzheide.
BASF aims to increase Europe’s self-sufficiency in critical battery materials by recycling metals in accordance with EU regulations. This will also improve the sustainability of electric vehicles.
- BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
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