Altilium, a UK-based clean technology company dedicated to advancing the transition to net zero, has announced the commencement of construction for the nation’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling and refining facility in Plymouth, Devon. The new ACT 3 scale-up plant positions the UK at the forefront of sustainable battery materials production and highlights Altilium’s commitment to establishing a national battery recycling ecosystem that supports industrial resilience, energy security, and economic growth.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to recover critical battery minerals, including lithium, nickel, and graphite, from approximately 24,000 EVs annually. Utilizing Altilium’s proprietary EcoCathode™ process, the plant will convert battery scrap into Nickel Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) and Lithium Sulphate, which are essential intermediate materials for the domestic production of battery cathodes.
Construction is underway on the 4-acre site, with engineering design being managed by Hatch, a global engineering consultancy. The facility is expected to generate valuable insights into materials handling, scalability, and process optimization, as well as ensure sustainability and environmental compliance. These learnings will inform the development of Altilium’s planned ACT 4 mega-scale refinery later in the decade.
Currently, the UK relies heavily on international markets for critical battery materials necessary for decarbonization and the energy transition. Research from the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) indicates that by 2030, the UK may require up to 40% of the current global lithium production and up to 30% of global graphite production to meet the demands of the battery production sector.
By fostering a circular economy for EV batteries, Altilium aims to secure a sustainable domestic supply chain for these materials, thereby reducing dependence on imported resources and lowering carbon emissions. Dr. Christian Marston, Altilium’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, “Our ACT 3 site marks the next phase in Altilium’s mission to close the loop on battery materials here in Britain. We are proud to be building this scale-up facility here in Plymouth, which will be a cornerstone of the UK’s EV battery supply chain. This is about taking a strategic and incremental approach to scaling a vital new industry, one that ensures value stays in the country and creates long-term skilled green jobs.”
Unlike traditional battery recycling in the UK, which has focused primarily on shredding batteries and producing black mass, Altilium is advancing the process by keeping valuable metals like lithium and nickel within the country through advanced hydrometallurgical refining. This methodology ensures local job creation and a resilient supply of battery-grade materials to support the UK’s expanding EV and gigafactory sectors.
The latest expansion follows significant investments made in the first quarter of 2025 from global bank Mizuho Bank and Japanese trading and investment group Marubeni Corporation. Altilium’s growth strategy includes a structured, risk-managed pathway to commercialization, culminating in the construction of one of Europe’s largest planned recycling facilities.
Source: Altilium
