Li-Metal, based in Ontario, has proudly announced the successful production and shipment of its inaugural batch of lithium metal ingots. These innovative ingots were crafted at the company's recently inaugurated reprocessing and casting facility located in Markham.

The state-of-the-art facility possesses the capability to process up to 15 metric tonnes of anode scrap material annually. Leveraging Li-Metal's cutting-edge reprocessing and casting technology, the facility transforms scrap lithium from various sources, including lithium foil producers, into ingots suitable for anode production.

Li-Metal emphasizes the significance of lithium metal anodes, which can be produced through conventional extrusion/rolling or the more economically viable physical vapour deposition (PVD) processes. The company is at the forefront of commercializing PVD processes in collaboration with its exclusive manufacturing partner, Mustang Vacuum Systems. Traditional extrusion processes necessitate the supply of lithium metal in ingot form. Typically, production scrap generated by gigafactories can have up to a 30% metal scrap rate. Presently, lithium metal ingot manufacturing scraps are classified as hazardous waste and are commonly incinerated, resulting in the permanent loss of valuable and critical battery materials.

Li-Metal anticipates utilizing the insights gained from the pilot facility and the scale-up of the reprocessing facility to assist potential partners in producing high-purity specialty lithium-alloy ingots tailored for advanced battery producers.

Srini Godavarthy, the CEO of Li-Metal, conveyed his excitement about the achievement, expressing that they were thrilled to produce their initial batch of lithium metal ingots using their reprocessing and casting technology. He mentioned the commissioning of their new facility in Markham. He highlighted the significance of being able to produce lithium metal products, positioning Li-Metal uniquely in the next-generation battery ecosystem and fostering business growth.

Godavarthy emphasized that earlier this year, Li-Metal successfully produced its first lithium metal product using the patented carbonate-to-metal (C2M) technology. This groundbreaking process is designed to generate high-quality lithium metal ingots with the lowest environmental footprint possible.

"The additional capabilities to produce lithium metal ingots from scrap allow for diversity of raw material supply, which is critical as the company continues to advance its C2M metal technology and its ultra-thin lithium metal anodes platform," Godavarthy added.

This accomplishment marks a pivotal milestone in Li-Metal's strategic roadmap as it aims to become a leading vertically integrated and domestic supplier of lithium metal and high-performance anode materials. The company's commitment to innovative technologies and sustainable practices positions it as a key player in shaping the future of battery materials and contributing to the advancement of battery technology.