Ascend Trafigura lithium offtake deal locks in 15,000 tonnes for 2027–2031

Ascend Elements

The Ascend Trafigura lithium offtake deal secures recycled supply for the battery chain. Ascend Elements signed a five-year agreement with Trafigura for lithium carbonate deliveries. The Ascend Trafigura lithium offtake deal covers 15,000 metric tonnes from 2027 to 2031. Financial terms were not disclosed.

This lithium carbonate offtake supports Ascend’s expansion plans. The company says the deal strengthens its North America and Europe pipeline. Meanwhile, buyers want low-carbon feedstock and secure volumes. Therefore, long-term offtake contracts are becoming a key recycling growth lever.

Offtake volumes link recycling output to global trading channels

The agreement calls for 15,000 tonnes over five years. Trafigura will take deliveries between 2027 and 2031. However, the market will watch qualification timelines and product specs. Battery recycling lithium carbonate must meet strict impurity limits for cell makers.

Ascend produces precursor cathode active materials from recycled inputs. It also produces battery grade lithium salts from spent batteries and manufacturing scrap. As a result, the Ascend Trafigura lithium offtake deal supports circular sourcing for cathode supply chains.

Europe strategy expands through GEM partnership and recycling scale-up

Ascend is building international reach through partnerships. In September, Ascend partnered with GEM to collaborate on lithium-ion battery recycling in Europe. Meanwhile, Europe needs compliant recycling capacity under tightening battery regulations. Therefore, the company can use offtake visibility to de-risk new plants and financing.

This deal also signals rising trader interest in recycled battery materials. Traders can aggregate volumes and route material to regional conversion hubs. As a result, recycled lithium carbonate may gain a clearer price discovery pathway.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Recycled lithium carbonate will compete harder as new mines ramp up after 2026. Meanwhile, offtake contracts will reward recyclers that prove consistent quality and traceability. Therefore, Ascend should publicize certification and carbon data to defend premiums.