American Resources Corporation's subsidiary, ReElement Technologies Corporation, a prominent provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements, has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Battery Damage Service GmbH (BDS). The MOU is a strategic collaboration that aims to establish a comprehensive and EU-compliant life-cycle solution for lithium-based batteries within the European marketplace. This marks the second recent agreement by ReElement to source recycled black mass from the German market.

The core objective of the MOU is to create a sustainable framework for processing lithium-based batteries throughout their life cycle in a manner compliant with European Union regulations. As part of the agreement, ReElement will refine the recycled battery material feedstock back to battery-grade lithium products, such as lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and/or lithium hydroxide (LiOH), as well as nickel, manganese, and cobalt sulfates. This refining process will take place at ReElement's facilities in Marion, Indiana, and Noblesville, Indiana, with the refined materials subsequently reintroduced into the battery supply chain.

Mark Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of ReElement Technologies Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with BDS, stating that it broadens access to the advanced German marketplace. He emphasized the scalability and environmental sustainability of ReElement's technology, positioning it as the only viable solution globally for profitably refining recycled black mass. Jensen highlighted the significance of ReElement's role in returning lithium from LFP batteries back into the battery supply chain, underscoring the importance of addressing supply chain and sustainability challenges for battery and cell-grade products.

Battery Damage Service GmbH, based in Germany, is a leading provider of comprehensive lifecycle solutions for waste batteries. The company offers a range of services, including salvage, classification, rapid response, transport, storage, discharge, dismantling, and recycling, making it a key player in the lithium-ion battery aftermarket and recycling sector.

ReElement is set to receive high-quality recycled black mass from BDS, which will undergo refining to produce high-purity lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) or lithium hydroxide (LiOH), as well as nickel, manganese, and cobalt sulfates (based on specific battery chemistries). These refined materials will directly feed back into the battery marketplace and other industries. The collaboration between ReElement and BDS extends beyond the EU, encompassing other growth markets.

ReElement Technologies is dedicated to leading the domestic supply chain for rare earth and battery elements in the electrified economy. The company has developed a patented chromatographic separation and purification process that proves to be a low-cost, scalable, flexible, and environmentally safe alternative to existing methods for rare earth and critical element separation and purification. The commitment to sustainability is evident in ReElement's efforts to establish high standards within the framework of European Union compliance and beyond. The partnership with BDS aligns with ReElement's mission to address supply chain challenges and promote sustainability in the production of battery-grade products.