Elemental Strategic Metals, headquartered in Zawiercie, Poland, and Ascend Elements, based in Westborough, Massachusetts, have forged a collaborative venture named AE Elemental™, anchored in Zawiercie, Poland. This joint effort, equally owned by both entities (at a 50/50 stake), is poised to manage and oversee a brand-new, cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility in Zawiercie, Poland. The facility, touted as best-in-class, will undertake the disassembly, discharge, and shredding of EV batteries, ultimately yielding black mass—a crucial component for the creation of new engineered EV battery materials, notably cathode active material (CAM) and cathode precursor (pCAM). With a formidable capacity, the facility is capable of recycling up to 12,000 metric tons of batteries annually, equivalent to around 28,000 EV batteries per year. In a synchronized move, both joint venture partners have committed to investing jointly in the large-scale extraction of lithium from black mass. The lithium extraction capabilities, anticipated to process up to 20,000 metric tons of black mass per year, are scheduled to commence construction in Fall 2024, with operational readiness anticipated by 2026.

Moreover, the collaborative entities have outlined plans for the construction of a groundbreaking EV battery recycling facility in central Germany. This facility, under the AE Elemental banner, is projected to have a recycling capacity of up to 25,000 metric tons of batteries per annum, equating to approximately 58,000 EVs annually.

Pawel Jarski, Elemental Holding's CEO, remarked, “Our partnership with Ascend Elements transcends mere strategic maneuvering within the battery recycling sector; it represents a transformative leap toward establishing ourselves as pivotal figures in the battery materials domain. The fusion of Ascend Elements’ state-of-the-art technology with our proficiency in recycling, extensive collection network, recycling platform, and global reach positions AE Elemental at the forefront of this rapidly evolving market.”

Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The AE Elemental JV marks a significant milestone for Ascend Elements, marking our inaugural foray into commercial-scale battery recycling in Europe. We are delighted to collaborate closely with Elemental Strategic Metals. Venturing into Europe enables us to cater to our clientele more effectively on a local level and aids the industry in adhering to new EU regulations mandating the use of recycled materials in new batteries. This expansion aligns perfectly with our operational objectives at this juncture.”

Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, Ascend Elements stands at the forefront as a premier provider of eco-conscious, closed-loop solutions for battery materials. From the recycling of EV batteries to the large-scale manufacture of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor (pCAM) and cathode active material (CAM), Ascend Elements is spearheading a revolution in the sustainable production of lithium-ion battery materials. Through its innovative Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis technology, Ascend Elements achieves the production of new pCAM and CAM from used lithium-ion cells with heightened efficiency compared to conventional methods. This approach not only enhances economic viability but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting fewer batteries to landfills and embracing a cleaner manufacturing process, Ascend Elements is elevating the lithium-ion battery industry to new heights of sustainability.