Aqua Metals, Inc. is a Nevada-based company dedicated to revolutionizing the battery recycling industry through innovative and sustainable technologies. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on recycling critical materials from lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for the growing electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. Aqua Metals’ mission is to create a closed-loop system that reduces reliance on mining and minimizes environmental impact.
At the core of its operations is the patented AquaRefining™ technology, a water-based, low-emission process that recovers high-purity metals from spent batteries. Unlike traditional smelting, which releases harmful pollutants, AquaRefining offers a cleaner alternative that aligns with global sustainability goals. With facilities in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center and plans for expansion, Aqua Metals is positioned as a leader in sustainable battery recycling, supporting the transition to a greener economy.
Battery Technology
Aqua Metals specializes in its proprietary AquaRefining technology, which transforms the way batteries are recycled. This innovative process uses electricity-powered electroplating to recover valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries. Operating at room temperature, AquaRefining eliminates the need for high-energy smelting and hazardous chemicals, resulting in a low-emission, closed-loop system.
The technology achieves over 99% recovery rates for critical materials, producing battery-grade metals with exceptional purity. For example, the company has successfully recovered lithium carbonate with high purity levels, along with nickel and cobalt at 96.5%+ and 99%+ purity, respectively. These materials can be directly reused in new battery production, reducing the need for raw material extraction and minimizing waste.
Aqua Metals’ modular Aqualyzer units are designed for scalability, making the technology adaptable to various industries. By providing a sustainable alternative to traditional recycling methods, Aqua Metals is helping to meet the growing demand for battery materials while supporting environmental and economic goals.
Recent Projects
Aqua Metals has reached several significant milestones in recent months. The company successfully completed a multi-week continuous operation campaign at its pilot facility, demonstrating the scalability and efficiency of its Li AquaRefining process. This campaign resulted in the production of over 600 lbs of battery-grade lithium carbonate, along with high-purity nickel and cobalt.
Additionally, Aqua Metals secured a $1.5 million bridge loan to support its strategic initiatives, with over half of the funding provided by management and board members. The company is also preparing for the commissioning of its Sierra AquaRefining Campus (ARC), which is expected to begin operations in 2025. Once fully operational, the facility will have an initial capacity of 3,000 tonnes of black mass recycling annually, with plans to expand to 10,000 tonnes.
Investors
Aqua Metals has attracted a diverse group of investors, including prominent institutional funds and individual stakeholders. Notable institutional investors include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Renaissance Technologies, which collectively hold significant shares in the company. These investors have shown confidence in Aqua Metals’ innovative approach to battery recycling.
Management and board members have also demonstrated their commitment by contributing over 50% of the recent $1.5 million bridge loan. This support highlights their belief in the company’s long-term potential and its ability to deliver sustainable solutions for the battery recycling industry.
Business Details
Location: Reno, Nevada, USA
Website: https://aquametals.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aqua-metals-limited