New venture aims to recover critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, reducing waste and carbon emissions while supporting sustainable development in Ontario.

In a strategic move to tackle the environmental and supply chain challenges posed by battery waste, Electra Battery Materials Corp. and Indigenous-owned Three Fires Group have launched Aki Battery Recycling, a joint venture focused on producing black mass through responsible recycling of lithium-ion battery scrap.

Headquartered in Toronto, Electra Battery Materials is at the forefront of North America's battery recycling efforts. Known for its proprietary black mass refining process and ongoing development of the continent's first battery-grade cobalt refinery in Ontario, the company is driving sustainable solutions within the electric vehicle supply chain.

Based in southern Ontario, Three Fires Group is an Indigenous-owned agency dedicated to advancing clean energy and infrastructure projects that promote sustainable development. The group's initiatives support long-term prosperity for First Nations communities, actively balancing economic growth with the protection of traditional lands and resources. .

The collaboration began in May 2023 when the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to address the increasing need for sustainable solutions to manage lithium-ion battery waste.

This initial agreement outlined a plan to leverage Electra's hydrometallurgical black mass recycling technology and Three Fires' expertise in clean energy to create a sustainable, closed-loop solution for recycling EV batteries. This collaboration has since evolved into Aki Battery Recycling, solidifying their commitment to reshaping North America's battery recycling landscape while fostering economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.

"I am grateful for the relationship we have built with Three Fires over the past year and honored to be advancing a shared vision of a greener future," said Electra Battery Materials CEO Trent Mell. "Aki Battery Recycling aims to address the environmental impact of future battery waste in Ontario and beyond, by returning battery scrap back into the supply chain."

Mell further emphasized, "This venture not only aligns with our mission to onshore North America's EV battery supply chain, but to do so sustainably and through a scalable solution to meet the growing needs of the North American electric vehicle industry."

The launch of Aki Battery Recycling represents a significant step toward building a fully integrated recycling network that integrates with Ontario's growing EV manufacturing sector.

"We are excited to partner with Electra's industry-leading hydrometallurgical capabilities to address the growing challenge of battery waste," said Reggie George, executive director of special projects and partnerships for Three Fires Group. "Aki Battery Recycling will provide a full-circle solution including a new primary recycling facility located in southern Ontario to shred lithium-ion batteries, process the scrap, and provide a steady supply of black mass, which will then be refined by Electra at its refinery complex."

The black mass produced will then be refined at Electra's facility to recover critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and graphite. This venture not only captures the value of these critical materials but also reduces the carbon footprint of the EV supply chain while decreasing reliance on foreign imports, supporting economic development and environmental sustainability in the region.

"With the billions of dollars being invested into the southern Ontario battery manufacturing industry, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and reused in Ontario, rather than discarded, is central to our shareholder First Nations' interests," said George. "This initiative not only underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship but also enhances the circular economy in the battery industry."