Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has completed a feasibility level Class 3 Engineering Study for a modular battery recycling facility, which will enhance North America's battery materials supply chain and energy security [1][4]. Facility and Process - The new facility will recover lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite from lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries using a proprietary hydrometallurgical process validated through a year-long pilot program [2][5]. - The next phase will involve operating the recycling process under continuous conditions to simulate commercial-scale throughput, funded in part by Natural Resources Canada [3]. Strategic Integration - The cobalt recovered will directly feed into Electra's adjacent cobalt sulfate refinery, which is under advanced construction, thereby creating a closed-loop supply chain for battery materials [4][5]. - Electra's partnership with Aki Battery Recycling ensures a reliable supply of black mass feedstock, supporting both near-term and long-term commercial ambitions [6][13]. Collaboration and Market Engagement - Electra plans to present the engineering study results to downstream partners, including battery manufacturers and OEMs, to determine the optimal scale and timing of the facility [7]. - The study was completed in partnership with Green Li-ion, leading to proprietary improvements that enhance Electra's competitive position in the recycling value chain [8]. National Security and Strategic Minerals - Electra supports North American energy independence amid global competition, particularly against China's dominance in critical mineral processing [9][10]. - The integrated black mass refining program aligns with strategic priorities in Canada and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of cobalt in various applications, including electric vehicles and military-grade batteries [10][11]. Economic and Community Impact - The collaboration with Aki Battery Recycling not only secures a sustainable supply of raw materials but also provides economic benefits to Indigenous communities [6][13][14]. - Electra is committed to building a resilient and inclusive battery materials supply chain in North America, aligning innovation with sustainability and Indigenous economic development [7][14].

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. has received a Notice of Allowance for a patent that enhances its AquaRefining™ intellectual property portfolio, crucial for its global expansion strategy [1][4][5] Patent Details - The patent application, filed in January 2022, is based on extensive R&D and covers key innovations in Aqua Metals' lithium battery recycling technology [2][3] - The technology allows for efficient recovery of battery-grade lithium carbonate, nickel, and cobalt, utilizing a novel hydrometallurgical process [2][3] Environmental and Economic Benefits - AquaRefining™ technology offers estimated cost savings of approximately $1,100 per metric ton of black mass input compared to traditional methods [3] - The process eliminates sodium sulfate waste, generates negligible CO₂ emissions, and creates a safer workplace environment [3] Strategic Implications - The patent allowance is a significant milestone for Aqua Metals, enabling the company to pursue licensing and joint venture opportunities with partners aligned with its vision for a domestic battery materials supply chain [4][5] - The company is actively seeking additional patents and is in discussions with multiple potential licensees and joint venture partners globally [4][5] Company Overview - Aqua Metals is focused on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, aiming to close the loop on critical minerals for clean energy technologies [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with total cash of approximately $1.6 million [15] - Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $8.3 million, or a negative $0.03 per share, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million, or a negative $0.05 per share for the same period in 2024 [19] - Plant operations decreased approximately $1.5 million, or 67.2%, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to reductions in payroll and related costs [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved key technical milestones, including product line expansion with initial samples of nickel carbonate and mixed hydroxide precipitate [4] - A successful engineering analysis and lab demonstration for lithium recovery from LFP batteries was completed, which could double lithium carbonate output [5][6] - General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $619,000, or 27.2%, primarily due to payroll reductions [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is adapting its strategy to align with current market conditions characterized by lower lithium prices and tighter capital markets [7] - The industry is experiencing a phase of consolidation and increased partnerships as companies navigate challenging market conditions [33][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a low-cost, resilient domestic battery materials supply chain and adapting its product portfolio to market needs [3][11] - A strategic decision was made to sell property to retire debt and generate cash reserves, allowing for evaluation of more cost-efficient locations [7][15] - The company aims to build its first commercial arc while actively engaging with potential supply, offtake, and funding partners [9][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to survive and thrive in the evolving critical minerals industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability [26][34] - There is optimism regarding future government support for domestic supply chains, although clarity on policy and funding is still pending [42][43] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning leadership with Eric West taking over as CFO, ensuring continuity and stability during the transition [10][12] - The company is actively engaging with potential partners to test the quality of new materials produced [48] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you walk me through the Sierra Arc sale process and how much runway it gives you? - Management highlighted that selling the Sierra Arc allows for significant savings and provides meaningful cash runway to develop commercial relationships [26][28] Question: Has there been an uptick in customer inbounds due to recent tariff announcements? - Management noted increased engagement with various industry players as companies seek to navigate the current market dynamics [32][33] Question: Can you discuss the opportunity related to product line expansion and LFP recycling? - Management emphasized that advancements are driven by market responsiveness and optimization to improve plant economics [37][39] Question: What is the status of government discussions regarding domestic supply chains? - Management confirmed ongoing engagement with government agencies, with expectations for more clarity on policy and funding in the coming months [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with total cash of approximately $1.6 million, with plans to retire all debt through the sale of the Sierra Arc asset, which has a carrying value of approximately $9.3 million net of depreciation [15][16] - The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $8.3 million, or a negative $0.03 per share, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million, or a negative $0.05 per share for the same period in 2024 [19] - Plant operations decreased approximately $1.5 million, or 67.2%, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to workforce reductions and decreased professional fees [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved key milestones in product line expansion, including the production of initial samples of nickel carbonate and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) [4][5] - A breakthrough in lithium recovery from LFP batteries was completed, which can handle a blend of 50% NMC and 50% LFP input, effectively doubling lithium carbonate output [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is adapting its strategy to align with current market conditions characterized by lower lithium prices and uncertainty in the industry [7][10] - There has been an increase in engagement with various industry players, indicating a phase of consolidation and partnerships within the critical minerals sector [34][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a low-cost, resilient domestic battery materials supply chain and is continuously advancing its technology to meet market needs [3][10] - A strategic decision was made to sell property to retire debt and generate cash reserves, allowing for evaluation of more cost-efficient locations for future development [7][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to survive and thrive in the evolving critical minerals industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience [26][59] - There is optimism regarding future government support for domestic supply chains, although specific feedback from government agencies is still pending [43][44] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning leadership with Eric West taking over as CFO, while Judd Merrill will assist during the transition period [9][12] - The company is actively engaging with potential strategic financial partners aligned with its long-term strategy [20][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk me through the Sierra Arc sale process and how much runway it gives you? - Management explained that selling the Sierra Arc allows for significant savings and provides cash runway to develop commercial relationships, emphasizing a shift in focus to build facilities closer to supply sources [24][26][30] Question: Has there been an uptick in customer inbounds due to recent tariff announcements? - Management noted increased engagement with various industry players, indicating a positive trend in customer discussions and partnerships [32][34] Question: Can you discuss the opportunity related to product line expansion and LFP recycling? - Management highlighted that advancements are driven by market responsiveness and optimization, aiming to improve plant economics and enhance off-take opportunities [36][40] Question: What is the status of government discussions regarding domestic supply chains? - Management confirmed ongoing engagement with government agencies, with expectations for clarity on policy and funding support in the coming months [42][44] Question: Can you elaborate on near-term and long-term financing opportunities? - Management discussed plans to retire existing debt and the potential for project financing, emphasizing the importance of partnerships for future growth [54][56]

Core Insights - Aqua Metals reported financial results for Q1 2025, emphasizing advancements in its AquaRefining™ technology aimed at establishing a resilient battery supply chain in the U.S. [1][2] Financial Performance - Total current assets decreased from $4,644,000 as of December 31, 2024, to $2,219,000 as of March 31, 2025 [15] - Total assets also declined from $26,365,000 to $18,065,000 during the same period [15] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $8,315,000, compared to a net loss of $5,752,000 in Q1 2024 [16] Product and Technology Development - Aqua Metals produced initial samples of nickel carbonate and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), aligning with customer specifications for battery-grade precursors [12] - The company completed a bench-scale demonstration for lithium recovery from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which could enhance economic models by doubling lithium carbonate output [12] - Continued refinement of high-purity lithium carbonate production processes positions Aqua Metals as a preferred partner in domestic lithium production [12] Strategic Decisions - Aqua Metals agreed to sell the Sierra ARC property, which will retire all debt and generate significant cash proceeds, reducing holding costs by approximately $100,000 per month [3] - The company is exploring co-location opportunities with strategic partners to lower capital and operational expenditures [3][4] Leadership Changes - Judd Merrill will transition from CFO to a consulting role, with Eric West stepping in as the new CFO effective May 19, 2025 [5][6] - The leadership transition aims to maintain strong collaboration between operations and finance as the company scales [6] Market Positioning - The company is focused on building a flexible, high-performance battery recycling platform to adapt to the evolving lithium battery market [2] - Aqua Metals is committed to constructing its first commercial ARC and is actively engaging with potential supply and funding partners [4]

Leadership Transition - Aqua Metals announced a leadership transition with Judd Merrill stepping down as CFO effective May 16, 2025, to take a role with increased responsibilities at another publicly listed company [1] - Eric West, former Vice President of Finance, will be appointed as the new CFO effective May 19, 2025, bringing six years of experience with Aqua Metals and a background in the mining industry [2] Company Strategy and Vision - The leadership change is positioned to support Aqua Metals' ongoing strategy in the domestic critical minerals and battery recycling sector, emphasizing the importance of continuity and capacity in leadership [3] - Aqua Metals is focused on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling through its patented AquaRefining™ technology, aiming to close the loop on critical minerals for clean energy technologies [4]

SURREY, British Columbia, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. (“RecycLiCo” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: AMY | OTCQB: AMYZF | FSE: ID4), a pioneer in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling and upcycling technologies, today announced that the Company and its joint venture partner Zenith Chemical Corporation (“Zenith”) have jointly determined to abandon the construction of a battery recycling facility in Taiwan and have entered into a definitive Mutual Release and Termination Ag ...

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. is set to report its financial results for Q1 2025 on May 8, 2025, and will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on the same day [1] Company Overview - Aqua Metals, Inc. is a leader in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, utilizing its patented AquaRefining™ technology [4] - The company aims to provide a low-emissions, closed-loop recycling solution for materials essential to energy storage and electric vehicle manufacturing [4] - AquaRefining™ technology replaces traditional polluting methods with electricity-powered electroplating, resulting in higher purity metal recovery, lower emissions, and minimal waste [4] - The company operates its first sustainable lithium battery recycling facility at its Innovation Center in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center [4] Communication Channels - Aqua Metals utilizes its investor relations website and social media platforms such as X, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube for disclosing material non-public information [5]

Core Viewpoint - Aqua Metals, Inc. has announced the development of a new product, nickel carbonate, which expands its portfolio of high-value battery metal compounds and showcases the adaptability of its patented AquaRefining™ process [1][2][3]. Group 1: Product Development - The company has developed a novel recycling process for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, allowing for the recovery and conversion into high-purity nickel carbonate, which is increasingly in demand globally [2][4]. - Nickel carbonate can be further processed into pure nickel metal or converted into nickel oxide, providing strategic optionality for Aqua Metals to serve multiple industrial sectors [3][4]. Group 2: Technology and Innovation - The development of nickel carbonate reflects Aqua Metals' adaptable technology and expertise in critical materials, positioning the company to respond quickly to market shifts and turn byproducts into revenue streams [3][4]. - The innovation aligns with Aqua Metals' broader strategy to scale production of battery-grade lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese materials using its AquaRefining technology [4]. Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Aqua Metals aims to build a robust, diversified domestic supply chain for critical minerals essential to the advanced energy economy, as indicated by its ongoing offtake discussions and project financing [4]. - The company is committed to optimizing recovery, reducing waste, and maintaining clean, low-impact processes while responding to real-time market needs [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with total cash of approximately $4.1 million, higher than the previous quarter, indicating management's focus on maintaining cash position [27] - The net loss for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, was approximately $24.6 million or a negative $3.83 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $24 million or a negative $5.10 per basic and diluted share for 2023 [34] - Interest expense increased to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to a change in fair value of the warrant liability [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plant operations increased approximately $931,000 or 15% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, driven by a rise in payroll and related fees due to hiring additional staff [31] - The company recognized an impairment of approximately $2.6 million related to vendor equipment deposits for equipment no longer needed under the revised plan [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company produced more than 600 pounds of battery-grade lithium carbonate at purity levels exceeding 99.5% during a December endurance run, showcasing its capability in the market [11] - The company is actively engaging with potential partners and customers globally, with positive feedback on the samples provided to multiple cathode active material producers [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale operations through flexible, partner-centric models that minimize capital intensity while maximizing impact [10] - The commercialization strategy has evolved to prioritize co-location opportunities and toll processing models to reduce logistics costs and accelerate time to revenue [15] - The partnership with 6K Energy is a flagship example of forming commercial alliances that support closed-loop battery material supply chains [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of adapting to the macroeconomic environment, which has been challenged by falling battery metal prices and tight capital markets [8] - The company is focused on translating technology success into commercial deployment, securing strategic funding, and continuing to produce battery-grade recycled materials [24] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to lead in clean battery metal recovery with a flexible capital-efficient plan in motion [26] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $15 million during the year, with over two-thirds of the funding coming from AquaMetal's leadership and board [19] - The company was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for the ACME Revive program, highlighting its role in supporting domestic critical mineral recovery [22] - The company expanded its board of directors, adding experienced leaders from the battery and finance sectors [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term financing plans and options - Management is focused on project financing and debt financing, with ongoing discussions with lenders [42][43] Question: Updated plan for the Sierra facility - The facility is move-in ready, with additional buildings planned to increase processing capacity from 3,000 tons to 7,000 tons [47][49] Question: Discussions on offtake agreements and co-locations - The company has been able to produce representative battery-grade materials, which has facilitated ongoing discussions with potential partners [55][57] Question: Visits from industry leaders and government agencies - Management has hosted various government officials and is engaging with the new administration regarding funding opportunities for critical minerals [59][61]