PyroGenesis has announced the signing of a contract with one of the world’s largest battery recyclers to test plasma technology in the recovery of critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.
The agreement will run from Q4 2025 into Q1 2026.
The project aims to replace fossil fuel heating with plasma during recycling, superheating materials to recover cathode and anode components. By doing so, the initiative supports the client’s ambition to achieve all-electric operations, creating a cleaner and more sustainable supply chain for reusable battery materials. This approach reduces reliance on mining and offers retired EV batteries a second life, either through continued use or disassembly for mineral recovery.
The unnamed client has already demonstrated recovery potential for nickel, cobalt, copper and lithium oxides through extensive R&D. The testing programme will now assess how PyroGenesis’ plasma systems can enhance this process.
“As the use of lithium-ion batteries increases, and as the previous generation of electric vehicle batteries begin to reach their end of life, it is imperative that closed-loop remediation systems, that can recover viable minerals to produce new battery material, become more widely utilised,” said P. Peter Pascali, president and CEO of PyroGenesis.
He added, “Companies like our client, who are using advanced technology while placing emphasis on all-electric processes – including those that may benefit from PyroGenesis’ plasma – will help battery and vehicle manufacturers shield themselves against volatile raw material pricing and critical mineral access while reducing carbon footprint and improving efficiency.”
