Aqua Metals Achieves Major Milestone in Recycled Battery Materials: First U.S.-Sourced Nickel Integrated into Domestic CAM for Testing by a Tier-One Battery Manufacturer

Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals has successfully produced the first-ever cathode active material (CAM) made from 100% domestically sourced, recycled nickel, marking a significant advancement in establishing a sustainable battery supply chain in the U.S. [1][5] Company Summary - Aqua Metals utilizes its proprietary AquaRefining™ process to recover high-purity nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap, refining it into battery-grade nickel nitrate, a precursor for advanced cathode production [2][11] - The company collaborates with domestic CAM manufacturing partners to convert nickel nitrate into battery-grade CAM, which is currently undergoing evaluation by a tier-one lithium battery manufacturer [2][3] - Initial testing indicates that the recycled nickel CAM meets industry-standard specifications, ensuring compatibility with existing cell production processes [3] Industry Summary - The U.S. lithium battery industry is projected to exceed 1.2 TWh of annual cell production capacity by 2030, highlighting the need for a domestic supply chain for critical materials like nickel, cobalt, and manganese [6] - Establishing a circular supply chain for battery materials is essential for reducing dependence on foreign sources and supporting sustainability goals [6][7] - Aqua Metals' closed-loop production process reduces the carbon footprint of CAM manufacturing by approximately 87% compared to sourcing from China, emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits of a domestic supply chain [4][8] Sustainable Practices - Aqua Metals' AquaRefining™ process eliminates waste and emissions associated with traditional metal refining methods, contributing to a lower environmental impact [8][9] - The collaboration with CAM manufacturers aims to advance sustainable production methods, further reducing waste and environmental burdens [8][9] Future Outlook - The successful production and testing of recycled nickel-based CAM lays the groundwork for expanding U.S.-based battery recycling and material production, reinforcing Aqua Metals' leadership in clean energy innovation [10]