Aqua Metals Closes $13 Million Capital Raise with Prominent Institutional Investor, Company Poised to Accelerate Commercialization Strategy

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. has successfully closed a $13 million registered direct offering with a leading institutional investor, enhancing its financial position and supporting growth initiatives [1][2]. Financial Position - The gross proceeds of $13 million will strengthen Aqua Metals' balance sheet and provide capital for commercialization and expansion efforts, transitioning from pilot operations to commercial deployment [2]. - The company’s financial flexibility is improved, allowing for strategic growth funding [2]. Commercialization Efforts - Aqua Metals is conducting due diligence on two potential sites for its first commercial AquaRefining™ Campus (ARC) facility, which will utilize its low-emissions recycling process [4]. - Proceeds from the capital raise will support site-specific design, engineering plans, permitting, and pre-construction activities [5]. Technology and Process - The first ARC facility is expected to demonstrate the scalability of Aqua Metals' electro-hydrometallurgical process, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional smelting and chemical refining [6]. - The proprietary process can produce battery-grade lithium carbonate, nickel in various forms, and high-purity cobalt, contributing to the domestic supply of critical minerals [7]. Industry Context - Aqua Metals aligns with U.S. national priorities for critical mineral recycling and refining, which are essential for economic resilience and national security [7][8]. - The urgency for expanding U.S.-based refining and recycling capacity is underscored by the Department of Defense's plan to establish a $1 billion critical minerals stockpile [8]. Future Outlook - The company is positioned to advance toward commercialization and will provide updates on strategic and financial progress in its upcoming third-quarter results conference call [9].