Lithium is often perceived as difficult to recover due to its chemical behavior at high temperatures — historically, high-temperature smelting technologies could not efficiently capture lithium from li-ion batteries. Building on decades of metallurgical expertise, Umicore has developed a pyro-hydro process that enables the efficient and safe recovery of lithium from end-of-life batteries and battery production scrap.Â
We can recover over 90% of lithium (and over 95% of cobalt, nickel, and copper) in our pyro-hydro process for batteries and production scrap. Our patented pyrometallurgical technology separates metals in a matter of seconds, directing lithium into flue dust. This dust can then be processed into battery-grade lithium carbonate or hydroxide.
Umicore’s lithium recycling capabilities have evolved in line with the growth of lithium-ion battery applications, starting with R&D activities in the early 2000s and initial recycling of portable batteries. Since 2022, these capabilities have expanded to include the recycling of automotive batteries.
We can expect waste streams to increase significantly in the coming decade as sales of EVs rise. This is particularly important for strengthening Europe’s lithium supply chain, given the scarcity of primary sources on the continent.  Â