As the world increasingly relies on electronic devices and transition towards electric vehicles (EVs), the generation of e-waste and spent batteries has surged, posing significant environmental and health and safety risks if not properly managed. Within this challenge lies a crucial opportunity: the recovery of critical minerals from these components. By safely recycling these materials, we prevent toxic substances from entering landfills and the environment. Recycling of battery materials in certain type of battery chemistries is a key concern for the industry, and economic imperative of procuring raw materials.

Many of the minerals essential for technology and renewable energy applications, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, are finite and increasingly difficult to mine due to geopolitical tensions, ethical considerations and environmental concerns. The importance of developing efficient, sustainable methods for recovering them from e-waste and spent batteries cannot be overstated. Recycling not only ensures a more secure and resilient supply chain for these vital components but also promotes a circular economy. Recycling also minimizes waste and the carbon footprint of new product manufacturing, whilst providing a secondary source of these critical materials.