Australian First For Envirostream
Lithium Australia NL’s (ASX: LIT) 90% owned subsidiary Envirostream is on target to be the first company in Australia to begin regular recycling of EOL EV batteries in coming weeks.
Envirostream has successfully conducted a series of recycling trials on six different types of EV battery packs at its mixed-battery recycling facilities in Melbourne, Australia.
The trials, all of which were conducted without incident, were intended to document the complete process of EV battery recycling, from transport, handling and discharge through to disassembly and materials recovery.
Envirostream’s report on the trials, which included details of safety procedures, transport, and environmental assessments, illustrated that Envirostream can process these EOL battery packs safely, effectively, cost-efficiently and sustainably, thereby providing a sound and environmentally aware solution to their disposal going forward.
Lithium Australia’s MD,Adrian Griffin, said that under the terms of the non-exclusive battery recycling agreements with two suppliers, Envirostream will be responsible for the transport of these battery packs to its recycling facility, as well as protection of intellectual property, the discharge of any residual battery energy and pack disassembly and recycling.
Transport of batteries is expected to come from capital city’s around Australia and Brunei to its Melbourne facilities.
Mr Griffin said that neither agreement is considered material agreement due to the volumes and no significant costs are being borne by the company. The agreements have an indefinite term but can be terminated by the Supplier on between zero and 60 days notice. Neither supplier are expected to rank in Envirostream’s top 10 suppliers of batteries by volume this financial year. Whilst there are no set volumes under either agreement the significance of these agreements are that Envirostream becomes a first mover in the recycling of EOL EV batteries in Australia.
