Aqua Metals Demonstrates Progress at Lithium Recycling Pilot Facility

Aqua Metals announced advancements at its pilot facility near Reno, focusing on the performance and scalability of its proprietary Li AquaRefining process. The company also confirmed the closure of a $1.5 million bridge loan to support operations while pursuing long-term financing and strategic initiatives.

In December, the facility completed its first extended operational campaign, highlighting its ability to recover critical battery materials. Key outcomes included:

• Recovery Rates: The facility reported over 99% recovery rates for lithium, cobalt, and nickel from black mass using Aqua Metals' leaching process and recycled solvent, designed to minimize costs and waste.

• Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate: Over 600 pounds of battery-grade lithium carbonate were produced during December.

• Nickel and Cobalt Recovery: Nickel was recovered at 96.5%+ purity, and cobalt at 99%+ purity, meeting quality standards for battery-grade materials. The Sierra ARC system was used to support consistent production.

• Process Controls: Improvements in process controls enhanced throughput and efficiency, indicating potential for commercial scalability.

• Facility Uptime: The pilot facility operated continuously for three weeks, achieving more than 90% uptime.

The progress at the pilot facility demonstrates the technical capabilities of Aqua Metals’ recycling process and its potential contribution to addressing the demand for sustainable battery material recovery. The company continues to focus on transitioning these developments into commercial-scale operations.