RENO, Nev., Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), a pioneer in sustainable lithium battery recycling with its proprietary AquaRefining™ technology, today announced it has closed a $13 million registered direct offering with a leading institutional investor. The transaction was executed as a shelf takedown. Gross proceeds of $13 million will further strengthen Aqua Metals’ balance sheet—already improved this quarter—and provide growth capital to advance the Company’s near-term c ...

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 Viewpoint - Aqua Metals, Inc. is set to report its financial results for Q2 2025 on August 13, 2025, and will provide a business update during a conference call that day [1]. Group 1: Financial Reporting - The company will announce its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 [1]. - A conference call is scheduled for August 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss these results [1]. Group 2: Accessing Information - The live conference call can be accessed via the company's investor relations website or by dialing specific toll-free and international numbers [2]. - A replay of the conference call will be available through designated phone numbers and on the investor relations section of the Aqua Metals website [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Aqua Metals is focused on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling using its patented AquaRefining™ technology [4]. - The company aims to commercialize non-polluting recycling processes that support clean energy technologies [4]. - Aqua Metals is headquartered in Reno, Nevada, with facilities in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center [4]. Group 4: Communication Channels - The company utilizes its investor relations website and various social media platforms for disclosing material non-public information [5].

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. is showcasing its innovative lithium battery recycling technology at NAATBatt's Eighth Annual Workshop, emphasizing its scalable, cost-effective, and safer alternative to traditional hydro recycling methods [1][3][6] Company Overview - Aqua Metals operates an Innovation Center in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, producing battery-grade lithium carbonate, nickel, and cobalt products at a commercial pilot scale [2] - The company claims its recycled lithium carbonate output is among the highest in North America from a true closed-loop battery recycling process [2] Technology and Benefits - The proprietary AquaRefining™ technology offers a novel solution that enhances worker safety, economic efficiency, and environmental performance compared to traditional hydro-based recycling processes [3][4] - This clean recycling technology supports the reshoring of critical minerals processing, contributing to American job growth and economic resilience [4] Event Details - The exclusive tour of Aqua Metals' facility will take place on July 31, 2025, providing workshop participants with insights into advanced lithium battery recycling operations [1][6] - The NAATBatt Annual Workshop will gather industry leaders to discuss innovations in lithium battery reuse, recycling, and market development [6] Product Highlights - The facility has produced various products, including battery-grade lithium carbonate, cobalt metal, nickel metal, and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) [9] - The pilot plant has accumulated over 4,000 hours of operational runtime, showcasing significant reductions in waste streams and improved economic efficiencies [9]

Company Overview - Aqua Metals, Inc. is a pioneer in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, utilizing its patented AquaRefining™ technology [2] - The company is focused on commercializing non-polluting recycling processes that close the loop on critical minerals for clean energy technologies [2] - Aqua Metals is headquartered in Reno, Nevada, with facilities located in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center [2] Upcoming Events - Aqua Metals will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on July 22, 2025, at 7 a.m. PT [1] - Stockholders of record as of June 17, 2025, are entitled to attend and participate in the meeting [1] - Voting instructions are available at https://www.proxyvote.com [1] 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 [3] - The company aims to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD through these channels [3]

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]

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]