Neometals Receives Key Patent for its Breakthrough Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Process

About Neometals

Neometals Ltd (ASX: NMT, AIM: NMT) is an Australian company focused on developing and commercializing sustainable technologies for producing critical battery materials from recycling and renewable sources. With lithium-ion batteries driving the global transition to electric vehicles and clean energy storage, Neometals is playing a vital role in building circular supply chains to recover battery materials.

The company recently announced a major milestone—the Australian Patent Office has granted Neometals’ 50% owned recycling subsidiary, ACN Co, a patent for the key steps of its lithium-ion battery recycling process. This is the first patent granted out of 17 applications globally, validating Neometals’ innovative approach.

An Innovative, Sustainable Battery Recycling Process

Neometals has developed a proprietary two-stage recycling process to recover high purity battery materials from lithium-ion battery production scrap and end-of-life cells. The 'Spoke' stage involves battery disassembly and separation into individual components. The Australian-patented 'Hub' stage comprises leaching, purification, precipitation and crystallization to produce battery-grade materials.

The process recovers over 90% of battery materials including nickel, cobalt, lithium and manganese into products that can be directly reused by battery manufacturers. This creates a circular supply chain, reducing reliance on energy-intensive virgin mining.

The technology is designed for maximum safety, recovery and sustainability. By recycling end-of-life batteries that would otherwise end up in landfills, Neometals helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. The company estimates its process can recover battery materials at a >60% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional mining and refining.

Validating Neometals' Competitive Position

The Australian patent grant validates the novelty and viability of Neometals’ approach as the first of its kind globally. It cements Neometals as an industry leader in lithium-ion battery recycling technology.

Neometals can now confidently progress commercialization and licensing activities through its recycling joint venture, Primobius. Primobius is co-owned by Neometals and German plant engineering firm SMS Group, who will build recycling plants utilizing the technology.

With a priority filing date of late 2018, the patent provides IP protection in a key jurisdiction until 2039. The extensive examination process by IP Australia confirms the technology’s inventiveness, industrial applicability and potential to support the circular economy.

The grant is also encouraging for Neometals’ global patent portfolio covering the process in other major markets including Europe, US and China.

Advancing Towards Commercialization

Primobius is advancing Neometals’ recycling technology on two fronts:

• Recycling Plants: SMS Group will finance and build lithium-ion battery recycling plants in Europe, North America and Australia. Primobius will own and operate the plants, providing battery recycling services to clients. The first commercial 50 tonne per day plant in Germany is nearing an investment decision.
• Licensing: Primobius will license Neometals' technology to partners to operate their own recycling plants globally. It recently signed an MOU with Mercedes-Benz to evaluate licensing opportunities.

The patent grant will accelerate Primobius’ global plant supply and licensing activities. With exclusive rights to the technology, Primobius can offer potential partners a unique value proposition as demand for recycled battery materials scales up.

Conclusion

With electric vehicle adoption poised to drive lithium-ion battery demand over 30-fold by 2040, developing sustainable and reliable battery material supply chains is critical. Neometals’ recycling technology and recent patent firmly establish its first-mover advantage in this rapidly growing industry.

Backed by proven technology and global IP protection, Neometals is strategically positioned to capitalize on the battery recycling opportunity through its Primobius joint venture. Near-term commercial milestones will demonstrate the value of Neometals’ innovations.

The company also has a diversified portfolio of projects to produce battery materials sustainably from brines, hard rock and steel slag. With its industry-leading expertise in circular battery materials, Neometals presents a compelling investment opportunity in the global energy transition.