Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals (AQMS) shares experienced a significant increase, nearly tripling in value, driven by renewed investor interest due to China's export curbs on critical minerals and the company's participation in The Battery Show North America 2025 [1][2]. Company Summary - Aqua Metals is positioned in the metal recycling sector, focusing on battery materials, which is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 69.45% over the next decade [3]. - The automotive sector is identified as a major driver of demand for battery recycling, alongside regulatory pressures for responsible battery disposal, creating substantial opportunities for AQMS [3]. - The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in battery recycling processes is becoming a trend, potentially benefiting companies like Aqua Metals that possess advanced technological capabilities [4]. Market Dynamics - The recent surge in Aqua Metals' stock price is largely attributed to speculative interest and broader market sentiment rather than specific company developments, indicating potential volatility ahead [5]. - The broader sector faces challenges such as production bottlenecks, price volatility, and uncertain demand dynamics, which may impact Aqua Metals' performance [6]. - Aqua Metals lacks broad coverage from Wall Street analysts, suggesting limited institutional insights into the company's operations and market position [7].

Core Insights - Rare earth stocks are experiencing significant growth due to renewed trade tensions with China and strong support from the Trump administration for the industry [1][2] - China has implemented additional export restrictions on rare earth materials, leading the U.S. and other nations to seek independent supply chains for these critical resources [1] Rare Earth Producers - Notable companies in the rare earth sector include MP Materials Corp., Trilogy Metals Inc., and Lithium Americas Corp., which have gained attention following investments from the Trump administration [2] - Lesser-known companies such as ASP Isotopes Inc., Aqua Metals, Inc., and Ramaco Resources, Inc. are also positioned to benefit from increased investor interest in the rare earth market [2] Thematic Highlights - Companies like ASP Isotopes, Idaho Strategic Resources, and Texas Mineral Resources are actively exploring or processing rare earths in North America, contributing to supply chain diversification [3] - Specialized recyclers such as Aqua Metals are innovating in refining technologies for battery metals, which are essential for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions [3] Strategic Exposure - Lesser-known stocks provide strategic exposure to the booming rare earth sector and related themes like artificial intelligence and tech sovereignty [4] - Firms like NioCorp and IperionX are focusing on materials crucial for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, including niobium, scandium, and titanium [5] - Diversified mining companies such as American Resources and United States Antimony are integrating rare earth and battery metals into their growth strategies [5]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Table of Contents As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2025 Registration No. 333- AQUA METALS, INC. (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) Stephen Cotton Chief Executive Officer 5370 Kietzke Lane, Suite 201 Reno, Nevada 89511 (775) 446-4418 (Name, address, including ...

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. is participating in The Battery Show North America from October 6–9, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan, focusing on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling [1] - The company aims to engage with key players in the battery ecosystem to advance commercial relationships and strategic partnerships [3] Company Overview - Aqua Metals is a pioneer in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, utilizing its proprietary AquaRefining™ technology to recycle critical minerals from end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap [5][6] - The company is based in Reno, Nevada, and is focused on commercializing non-polluting recycling processes that close the loop on critical minerals for clean energy technologies [6] Industry Context - The Battery Show North America serves as a premier gathering for the advanced battery and electric vehicle industries, facilitating discussions on emerging technologies and critical conversations for a sustainable energy future [4] - David Regan, Aqua Metals' Vice President of Commercial, will participate in a panel discussing U.S. supply chain resilience and strategies for securing essential minerals for clean energy [2][5]

Core Insights - Premarket trading is showing notable activity with significant price movements indicating potential opportunities for traders [1] Premarket Gainers - PepGen Inc. (PEPG) is up 151% at $6.68 [3] - 22nd Century Group, Inc. (XXII) is up 27% at $1.93 [3] - Immuneering Corporation (IMRX) is up 23% at $11.36 [3] - uniQure N.V. (QURE) is up 10% at $52.58 [3] - Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) is up 9% at $6.60 [3] - Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. (JSPR) is up 9% at $2.55 [3] - American Shared Hospital Services (AMS) is up 8% at $2.75 [3] - PSQ Holdings, Inc. (PSQH) is up 7% at $3.06 [3] - K Wave Media Ltd. (KWM) is up 7% at $2.48 [3] - ClearPoint Neuro, Inc. (CLPT) is up 5% at $20.48 [3] Premarket Losers - Transocean Ltd. (RIG) is down 14% at $3.11 [4] - Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc. (CYCN) is down 12% at $2.83 [4] - CarMax, Inc. (KMX) is down 11% at $50.38 [4] - ARB IOT Group Limited (ARBB) is down 11% at $10.45 [4] - SHF Holdings, Inc. (SHFS) is down 10% at $6.49 [4] - Digital Brands Group, Inc. (DBGI) is down 10% at $6.21 [4] - Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) is down 9% at $5.29 [4] - Akanda Corp. (AKAN) is down 8% at $3.96 [4] - Galecto, Inc. (GLTO) is down 8% at $3.88 [4] - Platinum Analytics Cayman Limited (PLTS) is down 7% at $11.12 [4]

Core Insights - Premarket trading is showing notable activity with significant price movements indicating potential trading opportunities before the market opens [1] Premarket Gainers - SHF Holdings, Inc. (SHFS) increased by 150% to $8.17 - Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) rose by 69% to $5.18 - Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) gained 50% reaching $6.11 - CleanCore Solutions, Inc. (ZONE) up by 44% at $2.87 - Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc. (CYCN) increased by 33% to $4.03 - Twin Vee Powercats Co. (VEEE) rose by 17% to $2.92 - Solidion Technology, Inc. (STI) up by 11% at $5.09 - China Pharma Holdings, Inc. (CPHI) increased by 11% to $2.18 - Stardust Power Inc. (SDST) rose by 10% to $3.04 - Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. (ALGS) increased by 7% to $11.03 [3] Premarket Losers - Aytu BioPharma, Inc. (AYTU) decreased by 15% to $2.11 - Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (IPDN) down by 13% to $4.10 - STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (SSKN) fell by 10% to $2.31 - Cohu, Inc. (COHU) decreased by 9% to $20.68 - Super League Enterprise, Inc. (SLE) down by 9% to $7.74 - CTW Cayman (CTW) fell by 9% to $2.29 - Fitell Corporation (FTEL) decreased by 8% to $7.70 - Soluna Holdings, Inc. (SLNH) down by 8% to $2.16 - StableX Technologies, Inc. (SBLX) decreased by 5% to $5.22 - Indaptus Therapeutics, Inc. (INDP) down by 5% to $2.95 [4]

Group 1: Stock Performance and Insider Transactions - Aqua Metals Inc. (AQMS) shares surged 35.8% to $5.50 during after-hours trading following insider stock transactions by CEO Stephen Cotton [1] - SEC Form 4 filing revealed that Cotton was granted 11,250 fully vested common shares on September 19, increasing his total holdings to 115,369 shares [2] - Cotton sold 4,765 shares at $4.12 each to cover taxes due on the stock award [2] Group 2: CEO's Current Holdings - After the transactions, Cotton beneficially owns 110,604 shares directly, with an additional 76,057 shares underlying restricted stock units (RSUs) that remain unvested [3] Group 3: Market Context and Volatility - Aqua Metals has experienced extreme volatility over the past year, trading between $3.37 and $39.76, with a current market capitalization of $5.65 million and an average daily volume of 46,080 shares [4] Group 4: Technical Analysis - The company has lost 89.39% over the past year, with a peak of $39.44 on September 27, 2024, and a closing price of $4.05 recently, representing a loss of 89.73% from the peak [5] - Benzinga Pro data indicates that AQMS closed at $4.05 on Tuesday, with negative price trends across all time frames [5]

Core Insights - Aqua Metals has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Impossible Metals to create a domestic supply chain for critical minerals essential for electrification and clean energy technologies [1][2] - The partnership aims to combine Impossible Metals' seabed mining technology with Aqua Metals' recycling capabilities to produce and refine minerals like nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements [2][3] - This collaboration is positioned as a step towards enhancing America's critical mineral independence and establishing a sustainable infrastructure for mineral supply [3] Company Overview - Aqua Metals is focused on clean metals recycling and has developed the AquaRefining™ technology, which is a non-polluting process for lithium-ion battery recycling [5] - Impossible Metals specializes in underwater robotics for sustainable mineral collection, with its Eureka Collection System designed to harvest polymetallic nodules while protecting marine ecosystems [4][5] - Both companies share a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, aiming to secure a stable supply chain for critical minerals in the U.S. [3][4] Strategic Goals - The partnership will explore the integration of seabed mining and recycling to create a low-carbon, closed-loop process that minimizes waste and environmental impact [5] - The collaboration is expected to contribute to a more resilient and transparent critical minerals market, reducing dependence on overseas sources, particularly from China [5][6] - Future opportunities may arise to expand the scope of this collaboration, enhancing the stability of the global minerals market [5]

Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals, Inc. has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement, allowing the company to continue its listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market [1][2][3] Group 1: Compliance and Stock Performance - The company received written notification from Nasdaq confirming compliance after executing a reverse stock split and maintaining a closing bid price above $1.00 for the required number of consecutive trading days [1][2] - Prior to this notification, Aqua Metals had been notified on July 2, 2025, that it was not in compliance due to its stock trading below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days [2] Group 2: Strategic Focus and Growth Initiatives - The company aims to advance its technology and pursue partnerships to expand its addressable market, with a focus on building feedstock and offtake partnerships [3] - Aqua Metals is also pursuing joint ventures, licensing, and financing opportunities for the development of its first AquaRefining™ Campus, aiming to establish a secure domestic supply chain for critical battery materials [3] - The company plans to optimize its capital structure and maintain access to capital markets to support its growth initiatives [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Aqua Metals, Inc. is focused on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling through its patented AquaRefining™ technology, which is non-polluting and aims to close the loop on critical minerals for clean energy technologies [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.9 million, increasing to about $3.2 million as of the call [11] - The net loss for the quarter was approximately $6.8 million, with a basic and diluted net loss per share of negative $7.44 for 2025 compared to negative $9.94 in 2024 [14] - Year-to-date cash used in operating activities was $5.3 million, showing improvement versus the prior year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company produced lithium carbonate with fluorine content below 30 parts per million, a best-in-class result for recycled lithium [6] - Over one metric ton of high purity NMC was produced for qualification sampling with potential partners [7] - Plant operations expenses were $800,000, down from $2.4 million a year ago, and general and administrative expenses were $2.2 million, down from $3.4 million in 2024 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that AquaRefining in the US is cost-competitive with Chinese hydrometallurgical recycling, operating at roughly half the cost of traditional US methods [9] - Recent market activity saw lithium carbonate prices in China increase by around 3% due to a major producer shutting down operations, highlighting the thin supply chains [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a fully domestic closed-loop battery material supply chain in the US, emphasizing collaboration among recyclers, CAM producers, and technology innovators [10] - The design of a modular, scalable commercial arc facility is underway, capable of processing between 10,000 to 60,000 metric tons of black mass annually [8] - The company aims to secure supply and offtake partnerships to enable financing for its first commercial ARC facility [47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to define the market for battery material recycling in the US, highlighting the importance of sustainability and competitiveness [10] - The management is optimistic about the potential for policy changes that could support domestic recycling efforts, particularly regarding tax incentives for preprocessors [31][33] - The company is encouraged by the recent patent allowance, which supports discussions with potential partners and enables high-margin licensing opportunities [40][41] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of the Sierra Art facility, generating approximately $4.3 million in cash proceeds, which were used to eliminate debt [11][12] - A one-for-ten reverse stock split was executed to support compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements [12][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the progress on the technology side? - Management highlighted the reduction of fluorine content in lithium carbonate and the flexibility in the flow sheet design to meet various partner needs [22][23] Question: Can you provide insights on the tech showcase with NAT Battery? - The event generated strong engagement and positive feedback from industry leaders, validating the company's sustainable recycling process [25][26][29] Question: How do you view potential incentives or trade policies impacting competitiveness? - Management emphasized the need for policies that encourage domestic preprocessing of black mass to support local recycling infrastructure [31][33] Question: Can you discuss the flexibility in structuring partnerships? - The company has a strong cash position allowing for strategic partnerships, focusing on collaboration rather than a lone strategy [36] Question: Can you elaborate on the patent allowance received? - The patent allowance supports the business model by enabling high-margin licensing and joint ventures with partners [40][41] Question: What are the next steps and milestones to watch for? - The focus is on securing supply and offtake partnerships to finance the first commercial ARC facility, with ongoing discussions about new feedstocks [47][48] Question: Why did Aqua Metals execute the reverse stock split? - The reverse stock split was aimed at regaining compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, viewed as a strategic asset for the company [52][53] Question: Can you explain the cost comparison study of AquaRefining? - The study showed that AquaRefining is cost-competitive with Chinese methods and operates at about half the cost of traditional US methods, emphasizing sustainability [54][56]