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.