Ascend Elements' bid to Launch US Lithium Recovery Line
Ascend Elements, a leader in sustainable battery material solutions has announced plans to launch a new lithium recovery line at its Covington, Georgia, facility in 2025.
The new line will produce over 99% pure lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) recovered from used lithium-ion batteries, marking a significant leap in domestic lithium production.
With a planned output of up to 3,000 metric tons annually, it will be the first large-scale commercial production of recycled Li2CO3 in the US.
Domestic lithium production
Founded in 2015 with headquarters in Massachusetts, Ascend Elements has been at the forefront of sustainable, closed-loop battery solutions.
The company's innovative Hydro-to-Cathode direct precursor synthesis technology enables efficient production of new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells. The method enhances cost efficiency and significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional mining practices.
Eric Gratz, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ascend Elements, states: "This is the first new, domestic source of lithium carbonate in the 21st century.
"This new domestic supply of a critical battery material will help US industries meet growing demand while avoiding the possibility of tariffs on imported materials."
Li2CO3 is a key ingredient in advanced batteries, powering EVs, grid-scale energy storage systems, boats and aircraft. Currently, the only other US source of Li2CO3 is a mining operation in Nevada.
Environmental advantages of lithium recovery
Ascend Elements' lithium recovery process is a game-changer for sustainability.
Producing just 2.27 kilograms of CO2 emissions per kilogram of Li2CO3, the method is significantly less carbon-intensive than conventional techniques like spodumene mining (16.7 kg CO2/kg Li2CO3) or Chilean brine extraction (3.6 kg CO2/kg Li2CO3).
Eric highlights the environmental impact: "Our current process of lithium extraction from used lithium-ion batteries is about 86% less carbon-intensive compared to spodumene mining and 37% less carbon-intensive compared to Chilean brine extraction."
Based on a life cycle assessment, the preliminary results highlight the potential for Ascend Elements' technology to transform sustainable lithium production.
Covington facility: A hub for battery recycling
The Covington plant, operational since August 2022, is one of North America's largest lithium-ion battery recycling facilities.
With the capacity to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials annuallyāor approximately 70,000 EV battery packsāit plays a critical role in meeting growing demand for battery materials.
Covington's new lithium recovery line will complement Ascend Elements' existing operations, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable battery materials.
The addition of the lithium recovery line represents a milestone in addressing the growing need for domestic and sustainable battery materials.
By combining advanced technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact, Ascend Elements aims to transform the lithium supply chain in the US
"This new capability aligns with our vision of creating a circular economy for battery materials," adds Eric. "It's a win for the industry, the environment, and our nation's energy future."
With demand for advanced batteries surging in the EV and energy storage sectors, Ascend Elements' innovative approach aims to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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