American Battery Technology Company Named "Recycling Technology Solution 2025" by CleanTech Breakthrough

Core Insights - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has been awarded "Recycling Technology Solution of the Year" by CleanTech Breakthrough, recognizing its advancements in battery recycling technology and contributions to a circular supply chain for critical battery materials [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - ABTC's innovative "de-manufacturing" recycling process utilizes selective hydrometallurgical processing, allowing for high recovery rates of critical materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, and aluminum [3][4] - The two-phase recycling process produces recycled materials in the first phase and refines them into battery-grade products like nickel sulfate and lithium hydroxide in the second phase [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Milestones - ABTC has established a feedstock-agnostic system capable of processing various lithium-ion battery sizes and chemistries, demonstrating sustainable practices with reduced waste and lower environmental impact compared to conventional methods [4] - The company was recognized as the sole winner of the Battery Recycling Circularity Challenge in 2019, highlighting its innovative recycling technologies [5] - In 2021, ABTC received a grant to demonstrate its integrated lithium-ion battery recycling system, focusing on producing battery-grade metals from recycled materials at lower costs and environmental impacts [5] Group 3: Commercialization and Operations - ABTC commenced commercial operations of its recycling technologies in 2023, with its first facility processing lithium-ion batteries and producing intermediate materials like black mass [6][8] - The company has transitioned to 24/7 operations, achieving key milestones such as sourcing large-scale batteries from automotive OEMs and producing low-impurity intermediate black mass material [6][7] - ABTC plans to enhance production quality and scale operations, targeting greater efficiencies and sustainable practices [6][8] Group 4: Future Developments - In 2024, ABTC announced a $144 million grant from the U.S. DOE to construct a second commercial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility, which will increase processing capacity by 100,000 tonnes per year [12] - The new facility aims to scale operations fivefold and implement strategic de-manufacturing and chemical extraction processes for battery-grade products [12]