US start-up Aqua Metals has produced its first ultrapure lead ingots using its ‘revolutionary’ recycling method.
The company used its AquaRefining technology to produce the lead ingot at its plant on the Tahoe Reno Industrial Estate, Nevada.
It is the first time the company has demonstrated it can produce 99.99% pure lead using its industrial scale technology, which uses reusable water-based electrowinning system.
Initial production samples are being sent to US battery manufacturing companies to allow them to conduct their own assays.
“This is a major milestone – not just for our company, but for the entire industry,” said Stephen Clarke, chairman and CEO of Aqua Metals.
“Our commercial-scale AquaRefining modules have the potential to revolutionise lead recycling and make lead-acid batteries the only truly sustainable battery technology. We are confident that our lead products will exceed the most rigorous industry specifications.”
He added: “This is the most critical step in the commissioning process of the Nevada AquaRefinery. Over the coming weeks we plan to fully integrate the front-end battery-breaking portion of the facility.”
Aqua Metals manufactures the AquaRefining modules at its headquarters in Alameda, California.
To date Aqua Metals has built and delivered five modules to its Nevada plant, with plans to install and commission 11 more to reach its initial production capacity goal of 80 metric tons of lead per day.
Aqua Metals has formed strategic partnerships with Interstate Batteries, Battery Systems International and Wirtz manufacturing.