Dutch automotive company Stallantis and French headquartered Orano Group (best known for nuclear fuel recycling and processing) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a joint venture (JV) for recycling end-of-life EV batteries and scrap from European and North American gigafactories.
The JV gains advantage from Orano’s innovative technology, which they claim allows the recovery of all materials from lithium-ion batteries, and the manufacturing of new cathode materials, thus further establishing Stellantis’ access to cobalt, nickel and lithium. Th JV will produce black mass to be processed at Orano’s proposed Dunkirk facility in France. When built, the hydrometallurgical plant will help Stellantis close their circular economy loop.
Orano claim that their pre-treatment approach and cutting edge hydro metallurgy technology allow the recovery rates of metals to reach levels of more than 90%. This means OEMs potentially have access to EV recycling rates that reach European Commission levels. Production is intended to begin in 2026. There is intended to be investment in reskilling and upskilling of Stellantis’s and Orano’s employees.
The JV is subject to agreement on final documentation.
