AE Elemental is a collaborative venture between Ascend Elements, based in the United States, and Elemental Strategic Metals, headquartered in Poland. Established to address the increasing demand for sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, AE Elemental leverages the strengths of both parent companies to deliver efficient recycling solutions tailored for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The company operates its first commercial-scale recycling facility in Zawiercie, Poland, with an annual processing capacity of 12,000 metric tons of used lithium-ion batteries. This facility plays a crucial role in transforming spent EV batteries into valuable materials, supporting the circular economy within the battery value chain. Looking ahead, AE Elemental plans to expand its operations by establishing a second facility in central Germany by 2026, which will enhance its annual recycling capacity to 25,000 metric tons. With a combined annual recycling capacity of up to 37,000 metric tons, AE Elemental is positioned to meet the growing needs of the EV market while promoting environmental sustainability.
Battery Technology
AE Elemental employs a sophisticated recycling process designed to efficiently recover essential materials from used lithium-ion batteries. The process begins with the disassembly, discharging, and shredding of EV batteries, resulting in a substance known as black mass. This black mass serves as the primary feedstock for producing new battery materials. Utilizing Ascend Elements’ proprietary Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis technology, AE Elemental converts black mass into high-purity cathode active material (CAM) and cathode precursor (pCAM). This method enhances the efficiency of material recovery by eliminating impurities rather than merely separating materials, thereby streamlining the recycling process.
The company’s recycling operations achieve a remarkable 99% recovery rate for critical materials such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, aluminum, and graphite. By recovering these materials, AE Elemental reduces the reliance on primary extraction from raw resources, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining and processing. The recovered materials are then reintegrated into the production of new lithium-ion batteries, fostering a sustainable and closed-loop supply chain.
In addition to its current capabilities, AE Elemental is set to incorporate commercial-scale lithium extraction into its Polish facility by fall 2024. This expansion aims to further enhance the efficiency and output of the recycling process, ensuring that the company can meet the stringent EU regulations mandating a minimum percentage of recycled content in new batteries by 2030. Overall, AE Elemental’s advanced technology not only optimizes material recovery but also significantly contributes to reducing the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
Recent Projects
In recent developments, AE Elemental successfully launched its first large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Zawiercie, Poland. This facility is capable of processing up to 12,000 metric tons of used batteries annually, equivalent to approximately 28,000 EV battery packs. The establishment of this facility marks a significant milestone in AE Elemental’s mission to provide sustainable recycling solutions for the growing EV market in Europe.
Looking ahead, AE Elemental is planning to expand its operations by constructing a second recycling facility in central Germany. Scheduled to be operational by 2026, this new facility will have the capacity to recycle up to 25,000 metric tons of batteries each year, roughly translating to 58,000 EV battery packs annually. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to scaling its recycling capabilities to meet increasing demand and support the European EV industry’s sustainability goals.
Additionally, AE Elemental is advancing its lithium extraction capabilities, with construction set to begin in fall 2024. Once operational by 2026, this enhancement will enable the company to process up to 20,000 metric tons of black mass annually, further strengthening its position in the battery recycling sector and ensuring compliance with upcoming EU regulations that mandate higher recycled content in new batteries.
Investors
AE Elemental benefits from the strong financial backing and expertise of its parent companies. Ascend Elements, the U.S.-based partner, has secured substantial investments through its Series D funding round, which was conducted by notable investors such as Decarbonization Partners, Temasek, and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Other key investors in Ascend Elements include Tenaska, Alliance Resource Partners, PULSE – CMA CGM Energy Fund, BHP Ventures, Fifth Wall, Hitachi Ventures, Mirae Asset, At One Ventures, Agave Partners, and Alumni Ventures. These investments provide Ascend Elements with the necessary capital and strategic support to innovate and expand its recycling technologies.
On the other hand, Elemental Strategic Metals, the Poland-based partner, is part of the Elemental Group, a global leader in urban mining and metal extraction. While specific investor details for Elemental Strategic Metals are not publicly disclosed, the company’s established presence and extensive experience in the recycling and metal extraction industry contribute significantly to the joint venture’s success.
The collaboration between Ascend Elements and Elemental Strategic Metals in AE Elemental combines financial resources, technological expertise, and industry experience, enabling the company to effectively address the challenges of lithium-ion battery recycling and support the sustainable growth of the electric vehicle market.
Business Details
Location: Zawiercie, Poland; Central Germany (Planned)
Website: https://aeelemental.com/
