‘Our goal is to tackle the growing problem’
A startup based in Hong Kong has revolutionized the recycling of lithium batteries, creating an innovative, cost-efficient system to reclaim valuable materials from discarded units. As highlighted by the South China Morning Post, Achelous Pure Metals has made significant strides, being capable of processing over 165 tons of used non-electric vehicle batteries annually. Their technology transforms critical metals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese into an easily recoverable powdery form commonly referred to as “black mass.” This substance allows for the retrieval of lithium carbonate, often deemed “white gold” due to its increasing demand.
The dire need for effective recycling methods has become apparent, with current recycling rates for rare-earth minerals hovering around a mere 5%. This inefficiency not only represents a considerable loss of economic potential but also underscores the environmental risks posed by mining activities, which can lead to dangerous contaminants. By opting for recycling, we can mitigate these risks while also reusing precious materials.
Lithium carbonate itself has diverse applications, notably in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries utilized in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. These systems ensure the availability of sustainable energy even when renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent. In fact, the majority of EVs in China rely on LFP batteries, which are generally cheaper to manufacture, potentially leading to lower consumer prices and fostering a shift towards greener transportation options.
Achelous Pure Metals employs a state-of-the-art, patent-pending robotic system that carefully shreds and processes materials through a vacuum and heat treatment, effectively containing harmful gases and compounds such as epoxy adhesives and fluorine. Co-founder and technical director Alan Wong Yuk-chun emphasizes the company’s mission to tackle the mounting issue of lithium-ion battery waste by implementing scalable, mobile, and eco-friendly recycling solutions in urban areas, starting in Hong Kong and planning to expand into Southeast Asia.
In terms of advancements, Achelous has already established recycling solutions for a facility in Jiangsu province, which boasts a processing capacity of over 11,000 tons annually. However, challenges loom due to overcapacity in China, potential trade tensions with the United States, and fluctuations in demand for lithium batteries that could stifle growth.
To navigate these obstacles, the five-year-old startup is launching “micro-factories” across China to facilitate the production of black mass. They are also actively seeking collaborations with companies in Hong Kong’s security sector to recycle lithium batteries from communication devices and considering programs to manage electronic waste in Malaysia and Singapore.
Shawn Cheng, co-founder and director of research and development, highlights the importance of collaborating with partners to fulfill future obligations regarding recycled materials and establishing a system for tracking the material footprint for compliance.
This innovative approach underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions in battery recycling, as the industry grows and evolves. As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, companies like Achelous Pure Metals are paving the way toward a more sustainable future, illustrating the profound impact of innovation on both environmental preservation and economic viability.