Aqua Metals Expands Vision for Commercial Giga-Scale Lithium Battery Recycling – More than Doubling the Output of Battery Grade Lithium at Sierra ARC Phase 1

Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals, Inc. is accelerating its strategy to enhance revenue and margins at its AquaRefining™ facility by prioritizing the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, aiming to more than double initial production targets while also producing Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) and other materials [1][2][4]. Group 1: Strategy and Market Position - The company aims to streamline market entry and optimize capital efficiency, which will enable faster revenue generation and technology validation at scale [2][5]. - By focusing on lithium carbonate and MHP production, Aqua Metals believes it can reduce capital requirements and position itself as a key supplier of low-carbon battery-grade materials [3][4]. - The scalable nature of AquaRefining™ technology is expected to facilitate future expansions into full metal refining as market conditions evolve [3][6]. Group 2: Financial and Operational Efficiency - The updated strategy is designed to lower capital and operational intensity, allowing for a larger-scale facility that generates higher revenue and margins, with an attractive payback period of approximately three years even at current lower metals prices [6]. - The company is actively engaging with potential financial backers and partners to support its accelerated commercialization and product suite plan [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Partnerships and Future Growth - Aqua Metals is in discussions with feedstock suppliers and offtake partners to strengthen its position in the domestic critical minerals supply chain [4][6]. - The company plans to continue qualifying battery-grade materials through its pilot program and ongoing collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and cell manufacturers [3][4].