BASF has successfully commissioned its prototype metal refinery for battery recycling in Schwarzheide. The state-of-the-art plant enables the development of operational processes and the optimization of the innovative battery recycling technology, which processes spent lithium-ion batteries and waste from battery production.
The use of this technology on a larger scale at a later date will enable optimal recovery of valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper. The new prototype metal refinery is a further milestone in the establishment of Europe's first joint center for battery material production and recycling in Schwarzheide. It complements the existing BASF plant for cathode materials and the battery recycling plant for the production of black mass, which is scheduled to go into operation later this year. The recovery of valuable metals is of strategic importance for the reliable supply of important battery raw materials. BASF is therefore actively involved in battery recycling in order to improve Europe's self-sufficiency and meet the requirements of the EU Battery Regulation. At the same time, battery recycling contributes to the sustainability of electric vehicles, as recycled metals have a significantly lowerCO2 footprint.
