UK recycler CF Booth enters administration as copper prices squeeze working capital

CF Booth

UK recycler CF Booth enters administration after financial pressure intensified across copper inventory financing and compliance costs. UK recycler CF Booth enters administration as higher copper prices raised the cash tied up in scrap and finished stock. Therefore, the company could not secure a solvent outcome despite exploring sale and reinvestment options.

UK recycler CF Booth enters administration with operations halted at its main Rotherham facility. Administrators retained a reduced team to manage statutory requirements. Meanwhile, the closure removed an established processing outlet for mixed and lower-quality copper scrap in the UK market.

Why high copper prices can hurt recyclers as much as they help

High copper prices can strain recyclers through working capital, not just margin. Scrap yards must fund more expensive inbound units before selling processed material. As a result, liquidity tightens quickly when lenders, insurers, or counterparties become cautious.

Energy costs and compliance costs can compound that pressure in Europe. Environmental obligations, VAT complexity, and health and safety enforcement raise fixed costs. However, higher costs rarely pass through cleanly when downstream buyers resist payables.

What CF Booth’s shutdown could mean for European copper scrap flows

CF Booth’s absence may tighten supply channels for lower-grade copper scrap over time. Traders expect the impact to show first in mixed grades and domestic availability. Therefore, regional scrap blending and sorting networks may need to reroute volumes to alternative processors.

Pricing has not reacted sharply yet because demand remains soft and supply looks ample after year-end destocking. However, payables could firm later in the quarter if demand improves and processing capacity stays offline. Meanwhile, the situation highlights broader stress for mid-sized recyclers exposed to price volatility and rising operating costs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This case shows how copper rallies can break recyclers through financing, not fundamentals. However, the market impact depends on whether new owners restart capacity quickly. Operators with strong credit lines and low-cost power will keep gaining share.

Novelis Targets Carbon Neutrality by 2050, Sets Ambitious 2030 Benchmarks

Novelis

Novelis, a leading US-based aluminum roller and recycler, has laid out its roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The company’s recently released sustainability report outlines key decarbonization goals for 2030, focusing on reducing emissions and increasing the use of recycled aluminum.

Key 2030 Targets

• Recycled Content: Novelis aims to increase the average recycled content in its aluminum products to 75%, up from the current 63%.
• Emission Reduction: The company plans to limit Co2 emissions to less than 3 metric tons (t) per ton of flat-rolled aluminum shipped.
• Beverage Cans Innovation: Novelis is designing a single-alloy beverage can to achieve 90% recycled content in its beverage packaging sheets, up from approximately 80% today.

Progress on Emissions Reductions

Since its fiscal year 2016 baseline, Novelis has achieved a 27% reduction in scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, cutting emissions from 20 million tons to 14.6 million tons in fiscal year 2024. This progress keeps the company on track to meet its interim goal of a 30% reduction by 2030.

A Leader in Sustainability

As the largest aluminum recycler in the world, Novelis’ efforts to integrate higher recycled content not only contribute to emissions reductions but also align with global sustainability trends. The company’s beverage packaging innovation demonstrates its commitment to reducing environmental impact in a key product category.

By focusing on reducing its carbon footprint and embracing circular practices, Novelis is positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable metals industry while advancing toward its long-term carbon neutrality goal.

Aqua Metals to Double Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Production in Ambitious Expansion

Aqua Metals

US Battery Recycler Targets Significant Growth in Lithium Supply Amid Rising EV Demand

Aqua Metals, a leading US battery recycler, has announced plans to more than double its production of battery-grade lithium carbonate. This strategic move reflects the company's effort to meet the increasing demand for critical materials used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems.

Aqua Metals will prioritize the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, with a mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) — a solution containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese — making up the remaining portion of its output. This decision aligns with the growing importance of lithium as a key component in the global transition to electric mobility and renewable energy storage.

Expansion of Lithium Carbonate Production

Although Aqua Metals did not disclose the exact volume of the increase, the company's 2023 annual report outlined a Phase One processing capacity of 3,000 metric tonnes per year (t/yr) of lithium battery black mass, with a total processing capacity of 10,000 t/yr. This expansion will significantly contribute to the lithium supply chain, supporting the growing demand from EV manufacturers and energy storage providers.

The company is currently in discussions with feedstock suppliers and customers to ensure the success of this accelerated expansion. By securing reliable sources of materials and forming strategic partnerships, Aqua Metals aims to position itself as a key player in the growing lithium recycling market.

Positioning for the Future of Lithium Recycling

Aqua Metals’ aggressive expansion of lithium carbonate production comes at a time when the global market for lithium is under significant pressure due to the surge in demand for EVs. As part of its efforts, the company is focusing on sustainable recycling practices, utilizing innovative methods to recover lithium from used batteries.

In conclusion, Aqua Metals is positioning itself to meet the future needs of the battery industry. Its commitment to increasing production capacity and securing key partnerships demonstrates its role in advancing the circular economy for lithium and other critical metals.

Hydro Takes Full Ownership of Battery Recycler Hydrovolt

Hydrovolt

Acquisition Strengthens Hydro's Position in the Growing EV Battery Recycling Market

Norwegian aluminum producer Hydro has announced the acquisition of the remaining shares in battery recycler Hydrovolt from Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt. This move gives Hydro full ownership of Hydrovolt, solidifying its position in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling market. The acquisition, valued at 78 million kroner ($6.8 million), is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending court approval.

Hydrovolt, established in 2020 as a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro and Northvolt, operates one of Europe's largest EV battery recycling plants in Fredrikstad, Norway. The plant boasts a 95% recovery rate for materials used in EV batteries, including plastics, copper, aluminum, and black mass—a powder containing valuable elements such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, and lithium.

Expansion and Future Plans

Hydrovolt is also constructing a new recycling plant in Hordain, northern France, with operations slated to commence later this year. The company aims to recycle approximately 300,000 tonnes of battery packs by 2030, equivalent to roughly 500,000 EV batteries.

This acquisition comes as Northvolt faces financial challenges, having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 due to substantial debt. Hydro, which has been solely financing Hydrovolt's operations since mid-2024, now seeks a new partner to secure long-term funding for the subsidiary.

Strategic Significance

Hydro's full ownership of Hydrovolt underscores its commitment to sustainable and circular solutions within the aluminum and battery value chains. This strategic move strengthens Hydro's position in the burgeoning EV battery recycling market, contributing to a more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient industry.

Ascend Elements Bankruptcy Exposes Pressure in Battery Recycling Market

Ascend Elements

Ascend Elements bankruptcy filing shows how difficult the battery recycling business has become as electric vehicle adoption slows in the US and Europe. The US battery recycler has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will use the court-supervised process to restructure liabilities while continuing normal operations.

Ascend Elements bankruptcy comes despite major commercial and government-backed support. The company said it had secured more than $2bn in commercial agreements and a $320mn grant from Poland, but these were not enough to overcome longstanding financial issues and outstanding liabilities.

The filing highlights a broader weakness in the battery recycling sector. Recyclers need steady end-of-life battery and production scrap feedstock, but slower EV growth has limited available material and made it harder to sell recovered products into battery supply chains.

Funding and Offtake Deals Failed to Offset Financial Pressure

Ascend had previously planned to develop cathode active material production in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. However, the company and the US Department of Energy agreed in March 2025 to cancel a $164mn grant for that project.

The company later received a $320mn grant from Poland in May 2025 to build a precursor cathode active material plant. That support showed continued policy interest in battery materials localization, especially in Europe.

Ascend also signed a five-year offtake agreement to supply Trafigura with 15,000t of lithium carbonate from 2027 to 2031. The agreement gave the company a future sales channel, but it did not solve its immediate balance-sheet pressure.

Slower EV Growth Weakens Recycling Economics

Ascend Elements bankruptcy reflects the timing problem facing battery recyclers. Many business models were built around rapid EV growth, rising battery scrap availability and strong demand for recycled lithium, nickel, cobalt and cathode materials.

But slower EV adoption has delayed feedstock growth and reduced market confidence. Without sufficient input material and reliable downstream demand, recyclers can struggle to operate at the scale needed to justify large processing and materials investments.

The pressure is not limited to Ascend. Texas-based recycler Ecobat is selling assets in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Austria to focus on North America, showing that consolidation and retrenchment are spreading across the sector.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ascend Elements bankruptcy shows that battery recycling is strategically important but commercially unforgiving. The winners will be companies with secured feedstock, disciplined capital spending and customers ready to buy recycled battery materials at scale.

Ecobat Sells European Battery Distribution Business to Refocus on Recycling

Ecobat

Strategic Shift Toward Core Battery Recycling Operations

Ecobat, a Texas-based battery recycler, has sold its European battery distribution arm to UK private equity firm Endless as part of a strategy to divest non-core assets. The divested division supplied a broad range of batteries for automotive, commercial, marine, leisure, and industrial markets. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the move underscores Ecobat’s intent to prioritize its core battery recycling operations across the US, UK, and Germany.

Market Pressures and Recycling Industry Challenges

Ecobat’s three lithium battery recycling facilities have a combined processing capacity of up to 10,000 metric tonnes per year. However, the battery recycling sector faces significant headwinds. Slower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) adoption has limited the availability of end-of-life battery feedstock, while a growing shift toward lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries — which contain fewer high-value metals like cobalt and nickel — has reduced the economic incentive for recycling. This market pressure has already impacted competitors, as demonstrated by Canadian recycler Li-Cycle’s recent bankruptcy protection filing in both Canada and the US.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ecobat’s divestment aligns with an industry trend of focusing resources on profitable, technology-driven recycling operations rather than lower-margin distribution businesses. As the EV market evolves and LFP battery adoption accelerates, recyclers will need to adapt their business models to remain competitive. Partnerships with battery producers and innovation in material recovery technology may be crucial for long-term success.

Novelis and TSR Partner to Boost Recycled Aluminum Supply for Automotive Industry

Novelis

In a move to bolster sustainable production, U.S.-based aluminum recycler Novelis has signed a three-year agreement with European scrap processor TSR Recycling. This strategic partnership secures a stable supply of 75,000 tonnes of end-of-life aluminum scrap annually, specifically aimed at producing low-carbon aluminum sheet for the automotive industry.

Rising Demand for Low-Carbon, Recycled Aluminum

With the aluminum sector prioritizing recycled materials to lower carbon emissions, Novelis aims to increase its recycling volume by 50,000 tonnes this year, adding to the 700,000 tonnes processed in Europe last year. The Novelis-TSR partnership supports growing demand from automotive customers for high recycled-content alloys, essential for reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. This deal further solidifies TSR’s longstanding relationship with Novelis, highlighting the importance of securing post-consumer scrap for sustainable production amid increasing industry demand.

"Availability of end-of-life material is crucial as Novelis collaborates with automotive customers to integrate more pre- and post-consumer scrap," Novelis stated, reflecting the sector’s drive toward sustainability.

Aurubis Sees Slight Decline in Copper Cathode Production Amid Maintenance and Expansion Efforts

Aurubis, Europe's largest copper producer and recycler, reported a slight decrease in copper cathode production during the first nine months of its fiscal year, driven primarily by a downturn in its recycling division. The Hamburg-based company announced on Friday that it produced 838,000 tons of copper cathode between October and June, marking a 0.4% decline from the same period last year.

The drop in production is largely attributed to a 2% year-on-year decrease in output from Aurubis' recycling division, which managed 383,000 tons of copper cathode during this period. The decline was most pronounced at the company's Lunen facility in Germany, where production fell by 6% to 111,000 tons due to maintenance work carried out early in the fiscal year.

However, the recycling division saw a rebound in the April to June quarter, with output increasing by 4% compared to the previous quarter. This recovery was bolstered by a 14% surge in production at the Lunen plant following the completion of a tankhouse refurbishment in June, which has increased the plant's annual copper cathode capacity by 10% to 210,000 tons.

Aurubis operates three recycling plants that produce copper cathode from scrap: Beerse and Olen in Belgium, and Lunen in Germany. While Lunen saw a slight dip earlier in the year, output from the Beerse and Olen facilities remained largely stable, mitigating the overall impact on the company's recycling output.

In contrast, Aurubis' smelting division experienced a modest growth in copper cathode production, with a 1% increase year-on-year to 455,000 tons. The Hamburg plant contributed 284,000 tons, while the Pirdop site in Bulgaria added 171,000 tons. The division's overall stability highlights the continued robust demand for copper in Europe, even as the global market faces fluctuating dynamics.

Aurubis also reported a 2% increase in concentrate throughput at its primary smelters, reaching 1.74 million tons. This was largely driven by a 15% surge in throughput at the Pirdop site, which offset a 12% decline at the Hamburg facility. The company is currently expanding the tankhouse at its Pirdop plant, a project that began in April and is expected to boost the site's refined copper output by 50% to 340,000 tons per year by the second half of 2026.

Looking ahead, Aurubis expressed confidence in maintaining stable demand for copper cathodes for the remainder of the fiscal year, supported by ongoing expansion efforts and the completion of key maintenance projects.

BMW Partners with Redwood to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

Redwood

BMW Group has entered into a partnership with US-based battery recycler Redwood Materials to recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) in the automaker's portfolio. Under the deal, announced Monday, Redwood will gain access to over 700 BMW Group locations across the United States, including dealerships, distribution centers, and internal facilities, to source end-of-life batteries.

Expanding Battery Recycling Operations

Redwood highlighted its proximity to BMW's Spartanburg and Woodruff manufacturing plants in South Carolina, where one of its two campuses is located. Both companies are committed to establishing significant recycling operations in the area. BMW has aggressive plans to produce at least six electric vehicle models in the US by 2030, with a $1 billion investment to retrofit its Spartanburg plant to produce electric SUVs by 2026. Additionally, the nearby Woodruff facility will support Spartanburg by supplying batteries from its new $700 million battery assembly plant, expected to be operational by 2026.

This collaboration with BMW adds to Redwood's growing network of partnerships with automakers and battery manufacturers. In May, Redwood entered a deal with Ultium, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Chem, to recycle production waste from two facilities, which are expected to generate 10,000 metric tonnes of cathode and anode scrap annually.

Cyclic Materials Expands Rare Earths Supply Chain with Synetiq Partnership

Cyclic Materials, a Canadian metals recycling company, has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Synetiq, a vehicle recycling firm based in Yorkshire, UK, to source electric motors containing rare earth elements. This marks Cyclic's first feedstock contract with a company outside North America, signifying a major step in its global expansion.

Synetiq, which specializes in vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling in the UK, will supply Cyclic with drive motors from hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as auxiliary motors from all types of vehicles. These motors will be processed at Cyclic's "spoke" facility using their proprietary Mag-Cycle technology. The processed materials will then be sent to Cyclic’s Hub100 plant in Ontario, Canada, for further refinement using Reepure technology.

Cyclic's advanced technologies are designed to extract magnets from end-of-life products like electric motors and convert them into valuable raw materials, including mixed rare earth oxides and cobalt-nickel hydroxides. This process is part of Cyclic's broader strategy to create a circular supply chain for rare earth elements, initially focused on North America but now extending into Europe.

This partnership with Synetiq follows a series of strategic collaborations by Cyclic. Recently, Cyclic has been working with Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS), a division of the ASX-listed metal recycler Sims, to trial their method of extracting rare earth materials from disposed hard drives. This innovative method, which has received support from Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund, demonstrates Cyclic's commitment to sustainable recycling practices. Additionally, earlier this year, Cyclic partnered with Vacuumschmelze to recycle rare earth magnets as part of the latter’s expansion in the US and secured a deal to supply recycled mixed rare earth oxide to Solvay’s plant in La Rochelle, France, starting in late 2024.

Novelis, TSR Forge 3-Year Partnership for Aluminum Scrap Supply in Push for Low-Carbon Future

TSR Recycling

In a pivotal move toward sustainability, US-based aluminum manufacturer and recycler Novelis has announced a three-year agreement with European scrap processing leader TSR Recycling. This strategic partnership will secure a stable supply of approximately 75,000 metric tons of end-of-life, pre-sorted, and processed aluminum scrap annually, supporting Novelis’ mission to deliver low-carbon aluminum sheet for automotive applications.

With Novelis recycling around 700,000 metric tons of aluminum scrap in Europe last year, the company aims to expand this figure by an additional 50,000 metric tons, boosting its green production capacity. TSR Recycling, well-versed in the processing of both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, has long collaborated with Novelis, and this agreement further solidifies their shared commitment to a sustainable, low-emission future for the metals industry.

A Rising Demand for Recycled Material

The agreement reflects an intensifying demand for recycled aluminum as part of the global shift toward sustainable feedstock in metal production. Aluminum producers, increasingly pressured to lower scope 2 emissions, are prioritizing materials with high recycled content. Novelis has taken a proactive approach, working closely with automotive clients to integrate both pre- and post-consumer scrap into its high-recycled-content aluminum alloys. "Availability of end-of-life material is crucial as Novelis is constantly developing innovative solutions with its automotive customers," the company stated, highlighting the importance of a reliable scrap supply to support greener, circular manufacturing.

This partnership positions Novelis and TSR at the forefront of an industry shift where sustainability isn't just a strategy but a growing imperative driven by regulatory changes, consumer expectations, and an accelerating demand for low-emission products in the automotive sector.

Li-Cycle Weighs Acquisition Offer from Glencore

Glencore

Canadian battery recycler Li-Cycle is considering a takeover offer from Glencore amid financial distress and project delays.

Financial Pressure Mounts on Li-Cycle

Li-Cycle is reviewing a 14 March acquisition proposal from Glencore, a major mining and trading firm. Glencore already holds a strategic stake in Li-Cycle and may move to take full control.

The announcement came as Li-Cycle warned in its 2024 annual report that it may run out of cash within a year. The firm’s liquidity crisis has worsened due to delays in accessing funding and paused construction projects.

In 2023, the company halted its Rochester hub project, critical to its spoke-and-hub recycling model. The stoppage disqualifies it from drawing a $475 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Projects Paused, Shares Delisted, Outlook Uncertain

Trading of Li-Cycle shares was suspended by the New York Stock Exchange in early 2024.

The de-listing reflects growing concerns about its operational viability.

Li-Cycle’s 2024 net loss reached $137.7 million, with revenues rising modestly to $28 million. Cash reserves fell by nearly $50 million, leaving only $31.9 million in liquidity at year-end.

The company has also paused development at its New York and Norway spoke facilities, limiting its future throughput. Its spoke-and-hub model, once touted as the future of lithium-ion battery recycling, now hangs in the balance.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Glencore’s interest in acquiring Li-Cycle may offer a lifeline—if terms can be agreed quickly. However, the deal also reflects broader challenges in scaling battery recycling under current market economics. If successful, this acquisition could strengthen Glencore’s position in the critical battery materials supply chain.

Cyclic Materials Invests $20mn in REE Recycling Facility

Cyclic Materials

Canada-based recycler expands rare earth recovery efforts with new Arizona plant to boost North American REE supply chain

Building a U.S. Rare Earth Recycling Hub

Cyclic Materials has committed $20mn to a new REE recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona. The investment marks a pivotal step in scaling rare earth element (REE) recovery from end-of-life components. The new plant will target waste streams from vehicles, electronics, and industrial devices. It will help process 155,000 metric tonnes annually across the U.S. Southwest.

Rare Earth Supply Chain Independence

The Mesa facility reinforces the company’s REE recycling strategy. Cyclic Materials aims to reduce reliance on foreign rare earth supplies, especially from China. CEO Ahmad Ghahreman emphasized the importance of circular supply chains for stable and sustainable access to critical materials. The company recovers REEs from EV motors, MRI equipment, wind turbines, and data centers.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Outlook

Cyclic Materials collaborates with major players like Solvay, Vattenfall, Synetiq, and Vacuumschmelze. These partnerships enhance its ability to extract permanent magnets from complex components. As a result, the project supports the U.S. ambition to localize clean tech materials and reduce REE import dependency.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Cyclic Materials’ $20mn investment signifies a long-term bet on REE recycling amid rising global demand for magnets used in EVs and wind energy. With strategic partnerships and domestic processing, this move strengthens North America's critical minerals security while aligning with decarbonization and supply chain goals.

Real Alloy Kentucky Unionization: Workers Join Teamsters at Morgantown Aluminum Plant

Real Alloy

Over 130 workers at secondary smelter vote to unionize amid broader labor momentum in U.S. metals sector

Plant operations to continue as collective bargaining negotiations begin for first formal labor contract

Real Alloy Kentucky unionization efforts gained traction last week as 70% of the workforce at the company’s Morgantown, Kentucky plant voted to join the Teamsters. This marks a significant labor development in the U.S. secondary aluminum market, where employees seek more structured representation amid rising industry demand and cost pressures.

Union-backed workers to negotiate first contract at 210,000ft² aluminum recycling facility

The Morgantown site includes three rotary furnaces, a reverberatory furnace, and a holding furnace for producing recycled secondary ingot (RSI) and molten metal from aluminum scrap. It also features a shredding line and salt cake processing system, reinforcing its position as a vertically integrated aluminum recycler. Now under Teamsters representation, workers will begin negotiating their first collective bargaining agreement with the Ohio-based company.

Four other Real Alloy sites already operate under labor union agreements

Real Alloy Kentucky unionization follows similar arrangements at four other company facilities, including one in Wabash, Indiana, and three more in Canada, Mexico, and Macedonia, Ohio. While no timeline has been set for contract talks in Morgantown, the unionization signals growing labor alignment across Real Alloy’s North American operations. At this time, there is no indication that production will be disrupted.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Real Alloy Kentucky unionization reflects increasing labor mobilization in downstream metals. As recycled aluminum demand rises, organized workforces may become a new norm, impacting wage structures, retention strategies, and operational dynamics in the secondary smelting sector.

Cyclic Lime Rare Earth Recycling Partnership Targets Electric Scooter Motor Magnets

Cyclic Materials

Cyclic Lime rare earth recycling partnership launched as Canadian recycler Cyclic Materials contracted with electric scooter company Lime to recover rare earth elements from decommissioned motors. The Cyclic Lime rare earth recycling collaboration will process magnets from Lime's retired electric bike and scooter fleet across US and Canadian operations, establishing a circular economy model for critical materials recovery from urban mobility infrastructure.

Hydrometallurgical Processing Creates Closed-Loop Supply Chain

Cyclic Lime rare earth recycling operations will utilize Cyclic's dual-facility processing network spanning Mesa, Arizona, and Kingston, Ontario. The Kingston facility employs hydrometallurgical processes to produce mixed rare earth oxide from recovered magnet materials. Mesa represents Cyclic's first US processing location, expanding the company's geographic reach for North American rare earth recycling operations.

Meanwhile, the partnership targets Lime's substantial fleet of over 270,000 electric bikes and scooters operating across 280 cities globally. This scale provides consistent feedstock volumes for rare earth recovery operations while addressing end-of-life disposal challenges for electric mobility devices. The collaboration demonstrates practical applications of circular economy principles in urban transportation sectors.

Scaling Operations Address Growing E-Mobility Waste Streams

However, Cyclic and Lime plan operational commencement within weeks, with activity scaling throughout 2025 as fleet retirement cycles mature. The timing aligns with growing volumes of first-generation electric scooters and bikes reaching end-of-life status after several years of intensive urban deployment. This natural replacement cycle creates predictable feedstock availability for recycling operations.

Therefore, the partnership addresses critical material recovery from permanent magnets containing neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium essential for motor performance. These rare earth elements maintain high value and strategic importance for electric vehicle and renewable energy applications. Recovery operations reduce dependence on primary mining while supporting domestic rare earth supply chain resilience.

Urban Mobility Recycling Model Demonstrates Industry Leadership

Furthermore, Lime's commitment to rare earth recycling complements existing battery recycling partnerships with companies like Redwood Materials. This comprehensive approach to component recycling establishes industry best practices for sustainable electric mobility operations. The integrated recycling strategy addresses both battery and motor component end-of-life management across Lime's global fleet.

As a result, the Cyclic partnership positions Lime as a leader in sustainable urban mobility practices while creating valuable secondary rare earth supply sources. The collaboration demonstrates how service-based mobility companies can contribute to critical materials circularity while managing operational costs through material recovery value. This model could influence broader electric vehicle and mobility industry recycling practices.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Cyclic-Lime partnership represents an innovative approach to rare earth recycling that leverages the predictable replacement cycles of commercial electric mobility fleets to create sustainable feedstock streams for critical materials recovery. This collaboration demonstrates how urban mobility companies can transition from being solely consumers of critical materials to active participants in circular supply chains, potentially serving as a model for broader transportation electrification sectors.

Steel Dynamics Begins Aluminum Production at Columbus Facility

Steel Dynamics

New Plant to Boost Flat-Rolled Aluminum Output

Steel Dynamics (SDI), a leading electric arc furnace steelmaker and recycler, successfully cast its first industrial and beverage can ingots at its newly launched aluminum facility in Columbus, Mississippi, on January 12. Operating under the Aluminum Dynamics brand, SDI aims to produce 650,000 metric tonnes of flat-rolled aluminum annually, supporting the beverage, automotive, and common alloy markets.

Production Capacity and Recycling Strategy

Starting in June, 45% of SDI’s aluminum output will go toward can sheet production, 35% will serve the automotive industry, and 20% will be used for common alloy applications. By the end of 2025, the facility expects to operate at 50% utilization, ramping up to 75% through 2026.

To meet demand, SDI will rely on 900,000 tonnes of recycled aluminum slabs. The Columbus site will supply 70% of these materials, while two satellite slab centers in Mexico and Arizona will contribute the remaining 30%. The Mexico facility is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, followed by Arizona later in the year.

Nonferrous Recycling Trends

Despite the expansion, SDI’s nonferrous recycling shipments saw a slight decline in 2024. Shipments fell to 965 million lbs from 970 million lbs in 2023, with fourth-quarter volumes dropping to 226 million lbs from 234 million lbs a year earlier. However, the new aluminum operations are expected to strengthen the company’s position in the recycled metals market.

Alus and BWM Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize US Battery Recycling

Blue Whale Materials (BWM)

Alus, a leading South Korean aluminum producer, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a prominent US-based battery recycler, to tap into the American battery recycling market. This collaboration centers around BWM's facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, marking a significant step towards enhancing sustainable battery production in the United States.

Expanding Capacity and Utilizing Recycled Materials

Through this partnership, BWM plans to boost its production of black mass at the Bartlesville site. Black mass, a key byproduct of battery recycling involving the disassembly and shredding of batteries, contains valuable metals including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Alus will utilize the recycled aluminum sourced from BWM to manufacture battery packs, promoting a circular economy in the metals industry.

Strategic Developments and Future Plans

The Bartlesville facility is poised to handle up to 50,000 metric tonnes per year of battery feedstock once fully operational. With a substantial investment of $55 million from the US Department of Energy received in September, BWM is well-equipped for a significant expansion. The plant is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025, setting a new standard in battery recycling efficiency and sustainability.

Blue Whale Materials and Call2Recycle Join Forces to Strengthen U.S. Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

Blue Whale Materials (BWM)

Strategic partnership ensures consistent battery feedstock for BWM’s 50,000t facility in Oklahoma

BWM and Call2Recycle Partner to Secure Sustainable Battery Feedstock

Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a prominent U.S. battery recycler, has entered a partnership with Call2Recycle to ensure steady access to end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Through this agreement, BWM will process batteries collected across the country via Call2Recycle’s well-established collection network. This collaboration is expected to support domestic supply chain resilience for critical battery materials.

Robert Kang, CEO and co-founder of BWM, emphasized the strategic value of partnering with North America’s leading battery collection organization. He stated that reliable feedstock access is vital to advancing the company’s long-term goal of building a secure and sustainable battery supply ecosystem.

New Facility in Oklahoma to Process 50,000t Annually by Mid-2025

BWM is set to launch its large-scale battery recycling facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the second quarter of 2025. Once fully operational, the facility will be capable of processing up to 50,000 metric tonnes of spent lithium-ion batteries per year. The location is strategically positioned to serve a growing network of battery sources, reinforcing domestic battery recycling infrastructure at a time when demand for critical minerals continues to rise.

This move supports broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported battery materials and aligns with the U.S. government’s clean energy and sustainability targets. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of collaboration between recyclers and collectors in closing the battery lifecycle loop.

Molymet Maritime House Rhenium Recycling JV Targets Aerospace Supply Growth

Molymet

The rhenium recycling JV between Molymet and Maritime House signals a strategic response to tightening aerospace material demand. The two companies signed an MoU for a planned 50:50 partnership focused on recycling rhenium-bearing materials. The JV aims to produce ammonium perrhenate, rhenium metal, pellets, and powder. As a result, the rhenium recycling JV could strengthen western supply security in a market under growing pressure.

This move matters because rhenium remains one of the most critical specialty metals in aerospace alloys. The metal is not replaceable in several nickel-based superalloys used for turbine blades. Demand from western aerospace manufacturers remains firm, while Chinese import demand for ammonium perrhenate is also supporting the market. Therefore, the rhenium recycling JV enters the market at a time of elevated strategic importance.

The structure of the plan also reflects practical execution. The partners intend to use existing facilities in Chile or Canada first. They will later assess whether a dedicated North American processing plant is commercially justified. Consequently, the rhenium recycling JV begins with flexibility while preserving a pathway to larger regional capacity.

Aerospace Rhenium Demand Is Raising the Value of Recycling

Aerospace rhenium demand is making recycling more important than ever. Engine makers continue to require high-performance superalloys for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. That keeps demand resilient even when broader industrial markets weaken. Meanwhile, rhenium prices have reached their highest levels in more than a decade.

That price environment is increasing the value of recycled feedstocks. Rhenium-bearing materials include nickel-based superalloy scrap and binary alloy scrap. These streams offer an alternative source of metal in a market where primary supply remains limited. Therefore, recycling is becoming a more strategic pillar rather than a secondary source.

Molymet and Maritime House also bring strong positioning to this effort. Molymet is the world’s largest primary rhenium producer. Maritime House is the world’s largest recycler of rhenium-containing materials. As a result, the partnership combines primary market scale with recycling expertise in a way few competitors can match.

Ammonium Perrhenate Supply Could Gain a Stronger North American Base

Ammonium perrhenate supply is one of the most important commercial outcomes of this partnership. APR is a critical intermediate product in the rhenium value chain. A more reliable recycled APR stream could support aerospace customers facing tighter procurement conditions. Consequently, the JV could improve both supply diversity and supply resilience.

The North American angle also deserves attention. The partners said they may evaluate a new regional processing facility if feed volumes exceed existing capacity. That would align with broader efforts to localize strategic material processing closer to end users. Therefore, the rhenium recycling JV could evolve from a recycling agreement into a more significant North American supply platform.

The decision to work with original equipment manufacturers also adds commercial depth. The JV plans to offer both recycling and primary supply solutions. That model could make procurement easier for aerospace customers seeking closed-loop or dual-source strategies. As a result, the partnership may gain relevance beyond simple metal conversion.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal stands out because it links recycling, primary production, and aerospace demand in one strategic framework. Rhenium remains a small-volume metal, but it carries outsized importance in high-performance superalloys. If this JV scales successfully, it could become one of the more important specialty metals partnerships in the western aerospace supply chain.

Volt Lithium to Test Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Technology in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation

Wellspring Hydro

Volt Lithium, a U.S.-based lithium developer, is set to pioneer the use of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology in North Dakota’s Bakken formation, an oil-rich region known for its high production of lithium-bearing brines. In partnership with Wellspring Hydro, a wastewater recycler, Volt will deploy an advanced system that directly extracts lithium from oilfield brines, marking a significant step in meeting the growing demand for lithium, particularly in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

Collaborative Effort for Lithium Extraction

Volt Lithium’s new initiative aims to utilize the cutting-edge DLE technology to purify, extract, and refine lithium from brines extracted from the Bakken formation. The region is the second-largest source of brine production in the U.S., yielding around 2 million barrels per day (b/d) of lithium-bearing oilfield brine, according to Wellspring. Although the exact lithium concentration in the brine is not disclosed, the project presents an exciting opportunity to tap into this resource using a more sustainable and efficient method compared to traditional mining techniques.

The collaboration between Volt Lithium and Wellspring Hydro will be funded by an initial grant of $500,000, with the potential for up to $2 million in additional funding from the state of North Dakota. Volt plans to begin deploying a field study unit in early 2025 to assess the viability of the technology in the Bakken formation.

Direct Lithium Extraction: A Game Changer for Lithium Mining

Unlike conventional evaporation ponds, which require large amounts of land and water, DLE offers a much more efficient method for extracting lithium. This method is capable of higher recovery rates, as it selectively isolates lithium from brines, reducing the environmental footprint of extraction. However, DLE technology remains more expensive and complex, which has led to its gradual development and deployment. Still, its potential has drawn the interest of major oil companies such as ExxonMobil, which is also exploring the extraction of lithium from brine in the Smackover formation in Arkansas.

Volt’s efforts in North Dakota align with the broader trend of integrating advanced technologies into the lithium mining industry, responding to the growing demand driven by the global shift to renewable energy and the rise of electric vehicle production. The success of DLE could significantly reshape the economic landscape of lithium production, especially in the U.S.