Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation and the Three Fires Group have made significant progress on the Aki Battery Recycling joint venture, marking the first Indigenous-led lithium-ion battery recycling initiative in Canada [1][2] - The Aki venture aims to create a low-emission, circular solution for battery waste management, enhancing domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on offshore processing [1][5] Joint Venture Overview - The Aki Battery Recycling joint venture was launched in 2024, focusing on establishing a First Nations-led lithium-ion battery recycling company [2] - Aki will process end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap in a state-of-the-art facility, producing high-grade copper, aluminum, and steel products [2][3] Black Mass Production - The pre-processing facility will generate a high-value intermediate product known as black mass, which contains critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite [3][12] - Black mass will be processed at Electra's hydrometallurgical refinery, facilitating a localized closed-loop supply chain for battery manufacturers [3][12] Leadership and Expertise - Reggie George has been appointed President of Aki, bringing over a decade of experience in project management and capital raising [4] - Andre Marais has been appointed Director of Strategy & Corporate Development, with more than 15 years of experience in technical and commercial roles [4] Indigenous Economic Participation - Aki Battery Recycling emphasizes Indigenous economic participation in the battery supply chain, aiming to create long-term benefits for First Nations communities [5][6] - The venture aligns with traditional values of stewardship and responsibility for the land, promoting a regenerative model of economic growth [7] Facility and Operations - The proposed facility will recycle enough lithium-ion battery scrap to supply up to 100,000 new electric vehicles annually [9] - Aki is evaluating prospective sites for the facility, focusing on locations near lithium-ion battery manufacturers and First Nations lands [8][10] Funding and Feasibility - Aki is engaged in discussions with government partners to secure funding for a bankable feasibility study on the pre-processing facility [11] - The project aligns with Canadian funding streams that prioritize clean technology and Indigenous-led infrastructure [11] Environmental Impact - The integration of Aki's black mass production with Electra's refining process aims to create one of the lowest carbon footprint recycling supply chains globally [12][13] - The venture addresses a critical supply chain gap in Ontario, which currently lacks battery recycling capabilities despite projected annual battery scrap generation of up to 30,000 tonnes by 2030 [10] Market Positioning - Aki will operate predominantly on a tolling fee basis through long-term contracts, ensuring stable returns independent of commodity prices [13][14] - The venture aims to strengthen Canada's capacity to retain and reuse critical minerals, supporting domestic industrial growth and reducing carbon emissions related to material transportation [14]