EL&F is expanding its battery recycling business in collaboration with CIS Chemical, focusing on NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.
On July 21, EL&F announced plans to invest in CIS Chemical and establish a recycling system that encompasses everything from the pretreatment of used batteries to the recovery of key metals in the post-treatment phase.
Through its subsidiary JH Chemical Industry (JHC), EL&F has secured capabilities in pretreating used cathode materials and black mass. This investment aims to enhance post-treatment technologies for recovering key metals like lithium and nickel at high purity.
CIS Chemical utilizes hydrometallurgical technology to recover lithium carbonate from LFP batteries. According to the company, the recovery rate for lithium carbonate is approximately 98%, and it has completed technology validation for LFP recycling for domestic clients.
The two companies will work on developing high-purity clean MHP (mixed hydroxide precipitate) for NCM and commercializing LFP recycling. They also plan to collaborate on joint research and development of LFP re-materialization technology and undertake national projects.
EL&F CEO Heo Je-hong stated, "This investment adds post-treatment technology to our existing pretreatment capabilities, allowing us to expand our supply chain for recycled materials and meet the circular economy demands of our clients."
The battery recycling market is growing in response to regulations aimed at increasing the use of recycled materials. In South Korea, a law regarding the management and industrial promotion of used batteries was enacted in May, while the European Union is gradually implementing mandatory usage ratios for recycled materials.
Additionally, EL&F has established a foundation for a 'ABB (AI, Big Data, Blockchain) Smart Factory' to proactively respond to global ESG regulations by integrating a life cycle assessment (LCA) system with a blockchain-based data space.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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