Ascend Elements announced plans to begin producing high-purity lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) from recycled lithium-ion batteries at its facility in Covington, Georgia, starting in 2025. The company aims to produce up to 3,000 tonnes annually, marking a milestone as the first lithium carbonate derived from recycled materials in the United States. Currently, the only other domestic source of lithium carbonate comes from mining operations in Nevada.
The lithium carbonate produced by Ascend Elements will serve various applications, including batteries for electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, boats, and aircraft. The company highlighted the significance of this domestic supply, which will reduce reliance on imports and the potential for tariffs. The Covington facility, operational since 2022, will also increase its capacity to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials annually by 2025, equivalent to approximately 70,000 electric vehicle battery packs.
A Step Toward Sustainable Battery Materials
Ascend Elements utilizes a process called Hydro-to-Cathode technology to recycle spent lithium-ion batteries into new cathode materials and lithium carbonate. This method is designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional mining or brine extraction methods. According to the company, this process is 86% less carbon-intensive than mining lithium from spodumene ore and 37% less carbon-intensive than extracting it from brine.
In addition to lithium carbonate, Ascend Elements produces advanced materials for batteries, including NMC pCAM and NMC CAM. The company recently delivered its first recycled cathode materials to Freudenberg e-Power Systems in Michigan, demonstrating its role in supporting the U.S. battery supply chain.
Expanding Recycling Capabilities Globally
Ascend Elements is expanding its operations both domestically and internationally. The company is collaborating with South Korean firm SK Ecoplant and its subsidiary TES to construct a battery recycling plant in Kentucky. Internationally, it has partnered with Poland’s Elemental Strategic Metals to open a recycling facility in Zawiercie, Poland, and is planning an additional plant in Germany.
These initiatives align with federal efforts to strengthen the domestic battery industry. Ascend was among the companies selected to receive support from the U.S. government’s Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Program. By increasing domestic recycling capabilities, Ascend Elements aims to reduce dependence on foreign battery material processing and establish the U.S. as a leader in sustainable battery production.