Nth Cycle, a US-based recycling start-up, is set to address the tight supplies of critical metals by extracting them from dead batteries in a process that generates fewer emissions than its competitors, as reported by Bloomberg.
The company is preparing to open its first full-scale plant in Fairfield, Ohio, which will produce a combination of nickel and cobalt, essential components of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and smartphones.
Nth Cycle provided a "sneak peek" of the plant to members of the community, with plans for full commissioning in the coming fall, according to chief executive officer Megan O'Connor.
While the exact cost of the plant remains undisclosed, the company has disclosed investments in the range of $25 million to $30 million for the facility.
Today, we are hosting a groundbreaking for our new facility in Fairfield, Ohio. Thank you @Bloomberg for the incredible highlight of our team of industry experts and technology, The Oyster. The facility is a critical step in the circular #economy for EVs. https://t.co/Q15fzPHX7v— NthCycle (@NthCycle) June 26, 2023
Move to strengthen US supply chain
This initiative by Nth Cycle is part of a larger movement to strengthen the battery supply chain across the United States, a critical aspect of the ongoing global energy transition.
Previously, the production of these vital battery components was primarily concentrated in China
However, the Biden administration's comprehensive climate legislation has resulted in increased federal investments to boost domestic output.
Extends beyond batteries
Nth Cycle employs a unique process that involves dissolving shredded remains of spent batteries in a water-based solution, followed by the extraction of specific metals using a series of electrified filters.
The company's approach extends beyond batteries and encompasses electronic waste, metal scrap and mine tailings.
Moreover, the modular design of Nth Cycle's processing unit, known as the Oyster, allows individual customers to deploy it at their own factories or mines.
One of Nth Cycle's significant claims is its considerably lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard recycling methods.
'Buy American'
While the company has not yet disclosed the names of its customers, O'Connor stated that they included automakers, battery producers and consumer electronics manufacturers.
Notably, there is currently no domestic producer of Nth Cycle's mixed hydroxide precipitate, the nickel-cobalt product.
Therefore, collaborating with Nth Cycle allows customers to leverage 'buy-American' incentives outlined in the federal Inflation Reduction Act.