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Pilot demonstration of a circular hydrometallurgical recycling process for battery-grade recovery of metals from NMC black mass

Reference number
Coordinator RefinyX AB
Funding from Vinnova SEK 4 907 000
Project duration May 2026 - October 2027
Status Ongoing
Venture Call for proposals - Scaling up the sustainable battery value chain
Call Scaling up for a sustainable battery value chain 2026

Purpose and goal

The project aims to scale up and validate a novel hydrometallurgical recycling process for lithium-ion battery black mass, eliminating the need for solvent extraction. The goal is to advance the technology from laboratory scale (TRL 5–6) to pilot demonstration (TRL 7) with a capacity of 10–40 kg/h. The process will demonstrate stable operation, full integration between steps, and production of battery-grade nickel, cobalt and lithium with above 97% Ni/Co and Li recovery, for cathode production.

Expected effects and result

The project will generate engineering data, mass balances and battery-grade material samples that enable industrial deployment. Expected impacts include a validated process for direct production of battery-grade nickel, cobalt and lithium from recycled black mass, reduced dependence on the export of critical raw materials, lower environmental footprint compared with conventional methods, and support to a circular European battery value chain.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is carried out by RefinyX AB (coordinator) in cooperation with Alfa Laval over 18 months, from May 2026 to October 2027. The work is divided into five work packages: project management and dissemination, pilot campaigns of the integrated process, characterisation of products and by-products, qualification of materials with external partners, and scale-up and commercialisation assessment. Pilot infrastructure in Västerås is used for the demonstration.

The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.

Last updated 20 May 2026

Reference number 2026-00897