Combined Entity Would Integrate Energy Storage Products, Proprietary Energy Management Software, Recycling, and Battery Materials into a Single Platform Lion Energy is a Revenue-Generating Business, Enhanced by Proprietary Software and Positioned to Participate in Expanding Energy & Virtual Power Plant Markets RENO, Nev. and AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), a pioneer in battery metals recycling and refining, today announced that it has entered into a t ...

Core Insights - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) reported a quarterly revenue increase of over 1,300% year-over-year while total operating expenses decreased by 24% year-over-year, indicating significant operational efficiencies [1][2] - The company achieved a key cash flow milestone where combined revenue from operations and interest income exceeded cash cost of goods sold for the first time [2][4] Financial Highlights - For Q2 FY 2026, the company reported combined revenue and interest income of $5.1 million, with $4.8 million from operations and $0.3 million from interest [8] - The cash cost of goods sold (cash-COGS) was reported at $4.9 million, with total COGS at $6.4 million, which includes non-cash costs of $1.1 million in depreciation and $0.4 million in stock-based compensation [8][10] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $48.7 million, including $47.9 million in unrestricted cash and $0.8 million in restricted cash, and reported zero debt [8] Operational Developments - The company expanded its manufacturing operations significantly, generating more revenue in this quarter than in the previous four quarters combined [2] - ABTC's recycling operations drove revenue growth through increased processing volumes from high-value feed materials, including batteries from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and end-of-life electric vehicles [20] - The company is advancing the design and commercialization of a second battery recycling facility in the Southeast U.S., which will have approximately five-fold the capacity of its first facility [20] Strategic Projects - The Tonopah Flats Lithium Project (TFLP) is positioned as a cornerstone of the domestic lithium supply chain, with projected production of 30,000 tonnes per year of lithium hydroxide monohydrate [20] - The project has an after-tax NPV at 8% of $2.57 billion and an IRR of 21.8%, highlighting its financial viability [20] - ABTC has completed and submitted all baseline studies for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development [20]

Core Insights - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) is set to release its second quarter fiscal year 2026 financial results on February 5, 2026, and will host an earnings call on the same day at 4:30 p.m. ET [1] Company Overview - ABTC is headquartered in Reno, Nevada, and focuses on developing technologies for the manufacturing of primary battery critical minerals and recycling of secondary lithium-ion battery materials [3] - The company aims to support the growing demand for battery metals from electric vehicles, stationary storage, and consumer electronics industries [3] - ABTC is committed to a circular supply chain for battery metals and continuously innovates to advance battery metal technologies, contributing to the global transition to electrification and sustainable energy [3]

Core Viewpoint - The strategic collaboration between Aqua Metals and American Battery Factory aims to create a cost-competitive, domestic battery materials supply chain through recycling and circular manufacturing, addressing the challenges of processing battery materials in the U.S. rather than relying on overseas markets [1][3]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - Aqua Metals and American Battery Factory have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to evaluate the co-location of a lithium-ion battery recycling facility next to ABF's planned manufacturing operations in Tucson, Arizona [2]. - The collaboration will allow Aqua Metals to recycle lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap from ABF and return battery-grade lithium carbonate for reuse in U.S.-based battery production [2][5]. Group 2: Industry Challenges and Solutions - The partnership aims to tackle the economic challenge of processing battery materials domestically, reducing the need to export manufacturing scrap to overseas markets for processing [3]. - By integrating recycling with battery manufacturing, the companies seek to enhance cost competitiveness, simplify logistics, and bolster domestic supply chain resilience [3][6]. Group 3: Technology and Operations - Aqua Metals utilizes its proprietary AquaRefining™ technology, which replaces traditional high-temperature furnaces and chemical-intensive processes with an electricity-powered, closed-loop system, promoting efficiency and safety in manufacturing [4][10]. - The proposed recycling facility is expected to process up to 10,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials annually, improving logistics efficiency and reducing transportation costs [6]. Group 4: Economic Incentives and Future Plans - The companies will explore how domestic manufacturing incentives, such as the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit, could enhance the economic viability of U.S.-based battery materials production [7]. - Any definitive agreements will depend on financing, permitting, and regulatory approvals, with a target to commence commercial operations in 2028 [7]. Group 5: Company Backgrounds - Aqua Metals is focused on revolutionizing metals recycling with its AquaRefining™ technology, aiming to provide high-purity, low-carbon battery materials to meet the demand for sustainable energy storage [10]. - American Battery Factory is dedicated to establishing a domestic supply of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, contributing to energy security and job creation in the U.S. [11].

Core Insights - Google has invested in Redwood Materials, a startup focused on battery recycling and cathode production, as it expands into energy storage for AI data centers and industrial sites [1][3] - Redwood Materials raised a total of $425 million in its Series E funding round, with a post-money valuation exceeding $6 billion, marking an increase of over $1 billion from its previous valuation [2] - The company has raised a total of $4.9 billion in capital to date [2] Company Overview - Redwood Materials was founded in 2017 by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel to create a circular supply chain for batteries, initially focusing on recycling scrap from battery production and consumer electronics [4] - The company processes scrap materials to extract valuable components like nickel and lithium, which are then sold to manufacturers such as Panasonic for battery production [4] Business Expansion - Redwood has diversified its operations beyond recycling, adding cathode production and launching an energy-storage business that repurposes EV batteries into micro-grids for AI data centers and large industrial sites [5] - The new energy-storage venture, Redwood Energy, was initiated in response to the increasing demand for data centers [5] Market Demand - The company emphasizes that energy storage has become essential infrastructure due to surging electricity demand driven by AI, data centers, and electrification [6] - Redwood claims to recover over 70% of used or discarded battery packs in North America, many of which can be repurposed for energy storage [6] Future Projections - Redwood reported having over 1 gigawatt-hour of energy storage capacity in inventory and expects to receive an additional 4 gigawatt-hours soon [7] - The company aims to deploy 20 gigawatt-hours of grid-scale storage by 2028 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals, Inc. has entered into a multi-year Material Supply Agreement with 6K Energy, marking a significant step in the commercialization of its AquaRefining™ technology and supporting the domestic battery materials strategy [1][4]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement establishes a framework for the supply of battery-grade nickel metal and lithium carbonate produced through Aqua Metals' AquaRefining™ process, with an initial term of three years [2]. - 6K Energy will have the option to purchase these materials at prices based on current London Metal Exchange trading prices, potentially representing tens of millions of dollars in annual value [2]. - The agreement aims to align product specifications, qualification pathways, and pricing mechanisms to support the use of recycled materials in domestic cathode manufacturing [2][5]. Group 2: Environmental and Economic Benefits - AquaRefining™ technology offers a 98% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods, along with approximately $1,100 per metric ton in cost savings [3]. - The process operates without harmful chemicals and regenerates sulfuric acid for reuse, contributing to a sustainable, closed-loop system [3]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The agreement is seen as a transition from technology validation to customer-aligned commercialization, aligning Aqua Metals' products with downstream manufacturing requirements [4]. - It reflects a shared focus on strengthening U.S. battery supply chains and reducing reliance on overseas processing, with materials expected to meet Foreign Entity of Concern compliance [5][6]. - The MSA allows for future collaboration opportunities, including evaluating tolling arrangements for lithium-ion battery black mass, supporting a feedstock-agnostic refining platform [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Aqua Metals is focused on revolutionizing metals recycling with its AquaRefining™ technology, aiming to provide high-purity, low-carbon battery materials to meet the demand for sustainable energy storage [8].

Core Insights - American Resources Corporation's portfolio company, ReElement Technologies, has formed a partnership with ERI for rare-earth elements processing, utilizing ERI's electronics-recycling network to collect and pre-process magnet-bearing materials from end-of-life devices [1][8] - ReElement Technologies will refine the recycled materials into high-purity rare-earth oxides, with trial shipments of 99.99%+ pure oxides already in progress for commercial and defense customers [2][8] - This partnership aims to establish a reliable domestic supply chain for rare-earth elements, reducing reliance on imports amid increasing demand from electric mobility, defense, and advanced technology sectors [3] Company Performance - Shares of American Resources Corporation (AREC) have increased by 133.6% over the past year, significantly outperforming the industry average rise of 14.8% [4] - AREC currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive market sentiment [6] Future Outlook - The collaboration is expected to scale up with large-scale commercial production at ReElement's 400,000-square-foot processing complex in Marion, IN, set to commence in early 2026 [3][8]

Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals, Inc. has successfully raised $13 million through a registered direct offering, aimed at enhancing its sustainable lithium battery recycling operations using its AquaRefining™ technology [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering involved the purchase and sale of 1,133,794 shares of common stock and/or prefunded warrants at a price of $11.34 per share [1]. - The gross proceeds from the offering were approximately $13 million before deducting fees and expenses [2]. - The offering is expected to close on October 16, 2025 [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized for working capital and general corporate purposes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Aqua Metals is focused on revolutionizing metals recycling with its proprietary AquaRefining™ technology, which aims to provide high-purity, low-carbon battery materials [6]. - The company's approach is designed to reduce emissions, eliminate waste, and support a circular supply chain for critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and grid storage [6].

Core Insights - RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. has contracted Rain City Industrial to design and construct a new laboratory facility at its headquarters in Delta, B.C. [1][2] - The new lab will enhance RecycLiCo's capacity for critical minerals and metals resource recovery technologies, aligning with high sustainability and efficiency standards [2][3] - The facility will support the Clean Spot™ technology, enabling efficient recovery of lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and other critical minerals from various sources [3] Company Overview - RecycLiCo specializes in critical minerals refining and lithium-ion battery upcycling, utilizing advanced hydrometallurgical technologies [5] - The company focuses on recovering battery-ready lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap, addressing the global demand for responsible supply chains [5] Partner Overview - Rain City Industrial is an engineering and construction services provider with expertise in industrial design, safety, and quality assurance [2][4] - The company aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that supports innovative clean technologies and aligns with RecycLiCo's vision for sustainable resource recovery [4]

Core Insights - RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. has become a founding member of the Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC), aimed at enhancing the development and procurement of American-sourced critical minerals for automotive manufacturing [1][2][3] Group 1: Collaboration and Objectives - The partnership includes industry leaders such as Lucid, Alaska Energy Metals, Graphite One, and Electric Metals, focusing on establishing a circular supply chain for critical minerals [1][2] - MINAC aims to advance domestic mineral production through offtake agreements for American critical minerals, identify barriers to commercialization, and improve coordination between the mining and automotive sectors [7] Group 2: Technological Contribution - RecycLiCo's advanced hydrometallurgical process is recognized for its ability to recover high-purity, battery-ready materials from newly-mined ore, manufacturing scrap, and end-of-life batteries, contributing to onshore sourcing of essential materials [2][5] - The collaboration is a response to the global trading environment's realignment and governmental initiatives promoting reliance on domestic sources, validating and scaling RecycLiCo's technology [3] Group 3: Leadership and Events - CEO Richard Sadowsky will participate in a roundtable event in Washington, D.C., alongside notable political figures, to discuss the collaboration's launch [4]