Austin Elements Inc.

Austin Elements Inc., based in Houston, specializes in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling and the production of high-purity critical minerals. Utilizing proprietary low-carbon technologies, they produce lithium carbonate, nickel sulfate, and more for electric vehicles and energy storage, supporting a circular battery economy.

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Austin Elements Inc. is a Houston-based company at the forefront of sustainable battery material production and recycling. Founded in 2021, the company is dedicated to closing the loop on energy-intensive, high-value materials that power modern society, particularly those critical to the energy transition. Named in honor of Dr. John Goodenough and his team at the University of Texas at Austin, pioneers in lithium battery technology, Austin Elements focuses on innovative, low-carbon methods to recycle lithium-ion batteries and other lithium-containing materials.

The company specializes in producing high-purity critical minerals and battery precursors, including lithium carbonate, nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, iron phosphate, and sodium sulfate. These materials are essential for manufacturing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. By leveraging advanced recycling technologies, Austin Elements aims to minimize waste, reduce reliance on primary mining, and support the development of a circular economy in the battery supply chain.

Battery Technology

Austin Elements is a leader in battery recycling technology, particularly for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) batteries. The company has developed proprietary, low-carbon processes to recover critical minerals from end-of-life batteries, manufacturing scrap, and other lithium-containing feedstocks. These processes are designed to handle “dirty” black mass with high impurity content, producing battery-grade materials that meet stringent industry standards.

One of the company’s key innovations is its ability to recycle LFP batteries, a segment often overlooked due to the lower value of recovered materials compared to NMC batteries. Austin Elements is the only LFP recycler in North America and Europe capable of producing qualified battery-grade lithium carbonate and LFP precursors from such feedstocks. This capability positions the company as a critical player in supporting the growing demand for LFP batteries, which are increasingly favored for their cost-effectiveness and safety.

In addition to recycling, Austin Elements operates specialized production lines for lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, and nickel sulfate, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality materials for battery manufacturers. The company’s focus on sustainability extends to its operations, with a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing environmental impact throughout the recycling and production processes.

Recent Projects

In 2024, Austin Elements announced a strategic partnership with Wildcat Discovery Technologies to advance LFP recycling and develop high-performance cathode materials. This collaboration involves converting end-of-life LFP batteries and manufacturing scrap into battery-grade lithium carbonate and iron phosphate, which are then used to produce new cathode materials. The partnership underscores Austin Elements’ role in establishing a sustainable domestic supply chain for battery materials in the U.S.

The company also revealed plans to build a 10,000 metric-ton LFP black mass refinery facility in Houston, Texas, with operations expected to begin in early 2026. This facility, which will expand to 85,000 metric tons by 2028, is set to become the largest LFP black mass refinery plant in the U.S. and Europe. These initiatives highlight Austin Elements’ commitment to scaling its operations and supporting the global transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Investors

Austin Elements is backed by prominent investors in the energy sector, including the Rice Investment Group. This support has enabled the company to advance its recycling technologies and expand its production capabilities. The involvement of experienced investors underscores the confidence in Austin Elements’ mission to create a sustainable and circular economy for battery materials.